Saqqara

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Saqqara map

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Saqqara (Arabic: سقارة‎, pronounced [sɑʔˈʔɑːɾɐ]), also spelled Sakkara or Saccara in English, is an Egyptian burial ground that served as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Saqqara features numerous pyramids, including the world famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, sometimes referred to as the Step Tomb due to its rectangular base, as well as a number of mastabas. Located some 30 km (19 mi) south of modern-day Cairo, Saqqara covers an area of around 7 km (4.3 mi) by 1.5 km (0.93 mi).

History

The vast burial ground of Saqqara was used as a necropolis for more than 3,000 years, serving the ancient city of Memphis, which was the capital of Ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom and remained an important city throughout ancient Egyptian history. The name Saqqara is likely derived from Sokar, the Memphite god of the dead.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, built during the 3rd dynasty by Imhotep, the chancellor to the pharaoh Djoser and high priest of the sun god Ra at Heliopolis, is the oldest complete stone building complex known in history. This pyramid represents a significant departure from the traditional mastaba tombs that were commonly used for royal burials before its construction, marking a new era in Egyptian tomb architecture.

Archaeological Significance

Saqqara is home to hundreds of tombs and chapels from the 1st Dynasty (c. 2925–c. 2775 BCE) to the Coptic period (395–642 CE), making it a critical site for understanding the development of Ancient Egyptian architecture and burial practices. The site includes both royal and non-royal tombs, as well as several major pyramids, including the Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramid of Unas, which is the first pyramid to include Pyramid Texts, and the Pyramid of Teti, which also contains pyramid texts.

Excavations at Saqqara have revealed a wealth of artifacts and texts that provide insight into ancient Egyptian life, religion, and society. The discovery of the Pyramid Texts in the Pyramid of Unas was particularly significant, as these are the oldest known religious texts in the world.

Conservation and Tourism

Saqqara has been a focus of archaeological exploration since the 19th century, and it continues to reveal secrets of ancient Egypt through ongoing excavations. However, the site faces challenges due to environmental factors and the impact of tourism. Conservation efforts are in place to preserve the monuments and artifacts of Saqqara for future generations.

As a major tourist attraction, Saqqara offers visitors the opportunity to explore ancient tombs, marvel at the engineering prowess of the Egyptians, and gain a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian culture. The site is part of the Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding cultural significance.

See Also

• Pyramids of Giza
• Memphis (Egypt)
• Ancient Egyptian architecture
• Imhotep