Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids
|
Reviewed by:
Jò
Rating:
|
Saqqara (or Sakkara, Saqqarah in Arabic) is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the cemetery for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. The ancient city of Mephis is located about 10 miles south of Cario. Saqqara was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
Saqqara features numerous pyramids, including the world famous Step pyramid of Djoser, sometimes referred to as the Step Tomb due to its rectangular base. Thisis also the most photographed and easily recognizable of the pyramids.
Saqqara is located about 30 km south of modern-day Cairo and covers an area of around 7 by 1.5 km .
T he earliest burials of nobles can be traced back to the First Dynasty, at the north side of the Saqqara plateau
The first royal burials at Saqqara, comprising underground galleries, date to the Second Dynasty. The last Second Dynasty king Khasekhemwy was buried in his tomb at Abydos, but also built a funerary monument at Saqqara consisting of a large rectangular enclosure, known as Gisr el-Mudir. It probably inspired the monumental enclosure wall around the Step Pyramid complex
At Saqqara, the oldest complete hewn-stone building complex known in history was built: Djoser's step pyramid, built during the third dynasty.
On a clear day in Giza one can see the Djoser Pyramid in Saqqara. Giza is roughly 10.5 miles north of Saqqara. Besides Pharaoh Djoser, there were 16 other pharaohs that constructed their burial pyramids at Saqqara including :
Pharaoh Userkaf
Pharaoh Djedkare
Pharaoh Menkauhor
Pharaoh Unas
Pharaoh Teti
Pharaoh Pepi I
Pharaoh Merenre
Pharaoh Pepi II
Contrary to popular belief, the name Saqqara is not derived from the ancient Egyptian funerary god Sokar, but from the Beni Saqqar who are a local Berber tribe. Their name means "Sons of Saqqar."
Getting around! The pyramids are easy enough to walk around, There are also horse and buggies or you can take a camel ride.
Some Camel Tips:
Bargain hard before you get on the camel.
Don't take a photo of the camel unless you are prepared to pay.
If you are feeling harassed then grab the Policeman to help you out.
How to get to the Pyramids:
A taxi from the center of Cairo is probably the easiest way to get to the Pyramids, although mini and micro buses also make frequent trips. An air-conditioned bus also departs regularly from the Midan Tahrir. Also check with your hotel who can help you organize tours.
Category: Monument and Historic Building
Address: Saqqara , Cairo, Egypt
Maybe you might also be interested in:
| Dahshur - 3.5 mi | |
|
Dahshur is a royal necropolis located in the desert on the west bank of the Nile south of Cairo. The site is dominated by the 4th dynasty pyramids of Sneferu and it is regonised mainly for its pyramids, two of which are among the... Reviewed by: Editorial Staff |
| Fascinate Pyramids of Giza - 11.9 mi | |
|
One of the most recognizable of the Seven wonders of the world!!The Giza Necropolis is an archaeological site on the Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. This complex of ancient monuments includes the three pyramid complexes known... Reviewed by: jacopo rita |
| Great Pyramid of Giza - 12.1 mi | |
|
The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is one of the Old Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built by the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu around 2560... Reviewed by: Editorial Staff
|
