THE OLD KINGDOM: THE REIGN OF KING ZOSER

King Zoser, whose name means “body of the god,” ruled from 2630 to 2601 BC, a period of approximately 29 years. At the beginning of his reign, he established a new capital city, Memphis, near Saqqara, and named his capital “Anbu Heg,” meaning “the white wall.” The Egyptians referred to it as “Ra” (meaning “high palace”) because he resided in a grand palace. During the reign of King Zoser, a brilliant architect named Imhotep, whose name means ” who came in peace,” designed a revolutionary pyramid for the king. This pyramid, constructed around 2620 BC, consisted of six stepped mastabas and is known as the Step Pyramid. It is considered the world’s first large-scale stone structure and marks a significant transition from the earlier mastaba tombs to the classic pyramids of later pharaohs. Imhotep also built a symbolic tomb for Zoser in the Saqqara necropolis. Inside the pyramid, a granite-lined burial chamber and two chambers adorned with faience vessels were discovered, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians.

King Zoser’s Accomplishments

including: •He introduced constitutional changes that defined the pharaoh’s powers and allowed for the delegation of authority to the high priest (like prime minister now). He also established a 30-year reign limit and instituted a festival called (hub sed) for celebration. •Zoser created a strong, organized army to protect the kingdom from nomadic tribes and established a police force in each region under the direct authority of the pharaoh. He also implemented a system of granaries to ensure food security.

King Zoser’s Legacy.

King Zoser’s most significant legacy is the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, a testament to the architectural genius of Imhotep and a major milestone in the development of pyramid construction. His reign also marked a period of significant political and administrative reforms that laid the foundation for the Old Kingdom.

King Zoser’s Statue

The statue of King Zoser, discovered in Saqqara. It is one of the oldest life-size statues known and depicts the pharaoh seated on his throne. The statue was found in the subterranean chamber of the Step Pyramid in 1924. Unfortunately, the original eyes made of crystal and carnelian have been stolen.

Imhotep: The Master Architect

Imhotep, the architect and minister of King Djoser, is credited with pioneering the use of stone in construction, as evidenced by his work on the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. His name is inscribed on the base of King Djoser’s statue as a tribute to his achievements. Imhotep’s exceptional skills are also evident in the design and construction of the entire Saqqara mortuary complex. Although his tomb has yet to be discovered, it is known to be located in the northern part of Saqqara. In later periods, Imhotep’s reputation grew to such an extent that he was deified and worshiped as a god of healing and medicine. Depictions of Imhotep often show him seated calmly, reading a papyrus scroll. Numerous bronze statues of him have also been found. During the Greek period, the Greeks equated Imhotep with their god of medicine, Asclepius, and continued to build temples in his honor. A significant factor in Imhotep’s deification is the story recounted on the Turin Papyrus, also known as the Papyrus of Famine. This papyrus, created during the Roman period, describes events that occurred during the reign of King Djoser and Imhotep. According to the papyrus, a severe famine struck Egypt due to a low Nile flood. Imhotep, in his wisdom, ordered the construction of grain silos and decreed that half of the harvested grain be stored in these silos while the other half be distributed to the people. Thanks to Imhotep’s foresight, the Egyptians were able to survive the famine.