The complex of Djoser at Saqqara is more than just the first pyramid and template for all pyramid complexes that would follow. 

Djoser’s complex is a highly integrated machine, an eternal representation of institutions, religions, and architecture culled from all corners of Egypt and incorporated into a stone microcosm intended to project the king’s world into the afterlife.

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Tags: Abydos, Anedjib, Djoser, Egyptian Tombs, Heb Sed, Imhotep, Mastabas, Memphis Necropolis, Netjerikhet, Old Kingdom, Pyramid Complex, Pyramids, Saqqara, Serdab, Step Pyramid of Djoser, Third Dynasty

Pharaoh Userkaf is one of the many Egyptian kings who have left very few clues regarding his biography and reign.  Well, he did leave a pyramid and a few temples from which we have been able to extract a couple of details. 

Actually, these structures contain some intriguing clues about Userkaf and his times, and a shadow of things to come.

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Tags: Djedefre, Djoser, Fifth Dynasty, Fourth Dynasty, Heliopolis, Memphis Necropolis, Pyramid Complex, Pyramids, Saqqara, Shepseskaf, Solar Cult, Step Pyramid of Djoser, Userkaf, Userkaf's Pyramid

For starters, it’s a large four-sided structure made of stone, wide at the bottom and pointy at the top, making a perfect triangle. 

There are three of them, they are located in the middle of the Egyptian desert, they were built by slaves, and they have mummies in them.

Right?  Well…

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Tags: Bent Pyramid, Black Pyramid, Dashur, Djoser, Giza Plateau, Giza Pyramids, Imhotep, Khufu's Pyramid, Mastabas, Meidum, Memphis Necropolis, Mereruka, Old Kingdom, Pyramid Complex, Pyramids, Red Pyramid, Saqqara, Serdab, Snefru, Step Pyramid of Djoser