History of The Necropolis of Saqqara

Saqqara Necropolis – The Tombs of Egypt

Just 30 kilometers south of Cairo lies one of Egypt's most mysterious and deepest archaeological treasures: the Saqqara Necropolis. The world's oldest complete stone complex, Saqqara was the principal graveyard of Memphis, Egypt's very ancient capital city. It's a sprawling vista of pyramids, tombs, mastabas, and ritual monuments that span several dynasties, offering an unparalleled window on 5,000 years of Egyptian history.

Whether you're interested in pharaohs, architecture, or ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, Saqqara is a more-than-day-trip from Cairo—a trip back in time.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser: Egypt's Architectural Revolution

The best-known structure in Saqqara is, without a doubt, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which was built in the 27th century BC for Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty. The building is a milestone in Egyptian history—it was the first pyramid to be constructed and is considered to be the oldest large-scale cut stone structure.

This six-tiered pyramid, fashioned by the renowned architect Imhotep, paved the way for the later Giza smooth-sided pyramids. In a departure from the previous mudbrick tombs, Djoser's pyramid was built from limestone blocks, which bespoke a shift in architectural ambition as well as royal ideology.

Beneath the pyramid lies a complicated network of underground tunnels and chambers that stretch for over 6 kilometers and speak to the sophistication of ancient Egyptian funerary practices.

The Tombs of Saqqara: A Window to the Afterlife

The Saqqara Necropolis is also famous for its highly decorated mastabas and tombs, not only its pyramids. These were tombs of high-ranking officials, priests, nobles, and even pets—each giving another insight into life and belief in ancient Egypt.

One of the highlights is the Tomb of Kagemni, a high-ranking official of the Sixth Dynasty. Its walls are lined with brilliantly preserved scenes of daily life—fishing, farming, feasting, and even dancing monkeys—showing how important it was to duplicate earthly pleasures in the afterlife.

The other notable burial is that of the Saqqara Serapeum, a massive underground complex that houses the sarcophagi of sacred Apis bulls. The bulls were believed to be manifestations of the god Ptah and were provided with complete elaborate burials when they died.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Saqqara was a cemetery and more—a venue for religious and spiritual experimentation. Shrines, temples, and ritual waystations dot the necropolis, bearing witness to the evolving religious ideology from the Old Kingdom through the Greco-Roman period.

Saqqara remained a sacred place throughout the years, uninterruptedly utilized for centuries. It became a general graveyard, accommodating beliefs from the Pharaonic, Coptic, and even islamic eras. Such continuity makes it one of the most sacred and history-rich places in Egypt.

The Discovery and Preservation of Saqqara

Saqqara kept its secrets under desert sands for millennia. The excavations began seriously in the 19th century, and even today, new discoveries are made.

Archaeologists have uncovered dozens of sealed coffins in immaculate condition, dating more than 2,500 years, in recent years. Some still contained mummies, perfectly preserved, with vibrant wrappings and inscriptions.

These discoveries provide more than just visual spectacle—they offer invaluable information about funerary customs, societal structure, and even health conditions in ancient Egypt.

Visiting Saqqara Today: What to Expect

Visiting Saqqara is like walking through an open-air museum that spans dynasties and empires. It's less crowded than Giza, which gives travelers a more intimate experience with history.

What You’ll See:

Step Pyramid of Djoser

Tombs of high officials like Kagemni and Ti

Unas Pyramid with the oldest Pyramid Texts known

Serapeum (Apis Bull tombs)

Old Kingdom temples and walls remains

Travel Tip:

Pair your Saqqara visit with nearby Dahshur (which contains the Bent and Red Pyramids) or Memphis, Egypt's ancient capital.

Why Saqqara Is a Must-Visit

While the Pyramids of Giza steal the show, Saqqara offers something different—depth, antiquity, and religious complexity. It's the birthplace of pyramid building, the cemetery of the nobles, and a living museum of one of the world's oldest civilizations.

Regardless of whether you're a history buff, an architecture fan, or a curious traveler, Saqqara will amaze and inspire you.