Lecture on Pharaoh Djoser

Introduction

• Professor: Dr. Rob Steffen
• Topic: Pharaoh Djoser and his contributions
• Objective: Understanding the building of the first pyramid and Djoser’s efforts

Djoser’s Background

• Dynasties: First king of the Third Dynasty and Old Kingdom
• Parentage: True born son of the last king of the Second Dynasty
• Reign: 29 years known for political and architectural accomplishments
• Achievements: Expeditions, construction, and famine relief

Expeditions

• Target Areas: Sinai Peninsula
• Purpose: Searching for metals and minerals like turquoise and copper
• Evidence: Inscriptions from expeditions still visible today

The Famine Stele

• Description: Inscription depicting a seven-year famine
• Resolution: Djoser rebuilt the Temple at Elephantine after consulting the god Khnum
• Historical Validity: Stela from the Ptolemaic period, 2500 years later, but temple shows his initiatives

The Role of Imhotep

• Position: Vizier, advisor, physician, architect
• Origin: Commoner who rose to power
• Architectural Contributions: Designed the Step Pyramid and possibly first to use stone columns
• Medical Contributions: Introduced natural causes for disease; associated with the Edwin Smith Papyrus
• Deification: Became a god of healing and medicine, later merged with Thoth and Asclepius

The Step Pyramid

• Location: Saqqara, near ancient Memphis
• Timeline: Built around 2650 BCE
• Evolution: Developed from mastaba tombs
• Structure: 6 increasingly smaller steps, 200 feet high, 400 feet base
• Material: First monumental structure built entirely out of stone
• Passageways: Extensive underground networks with blue faïence decorations

Pyramid Complex

• Components: Serdab, Heb-Sed court, mortuary temple, south tomb, house of the south and north, step pyramid
• Enclosure Wall: 30 feet high with 14 doors, 13 false doors for spirits

Detailed Structures

• Heb-Sed Court: Site for rejuvenating kingly power, lap running ritual for strength
• South Tomb: House for the Ka (spirit) of the king
• Mortuary Temple: Rituals and offerings for the dead king
• Serdab: House for the statue of the king’s Ka

Legacy

• Dynastic Contribution: Acknowledged as founder of the Third Dynasty
• Recognition: Admired for political, economic, and architectural achievements
• Imhotep's Legacy: Legacy elevated through architectural and medical contributions