Stepped Pyramid of Djoser & Heb-Sed Festival Court, A

Creator

• Imhotep (Architect)

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

circa 2675-2625 BCE

Abstract

Heb-Sed Festival Court with Stepped Pyramid of Djoser

Keywords

Old Kingdom, 3rd Dynasty, Ancient architecture, Stepped pyramid, Courts (Built works), Limestone

Alt Text

A large stepped pyramid structure with smaller buildings nearby, set against a clear sky and surrounded by sandy terrain. The area appears to be an archaeological site with ancient ruins.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Egypt; Ṣaqqārah (Egypt)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

This is the oldest known pyramid in Egypt and earliest colossal stone building in history. It was originally intended to be a traditional mastaba but evolved into 6 tiers and a height over 62 meters. The complex surrounding includes temples, shrines, and courtyards enclosed by a limestone wall. The Heb-Sed Festival Court is a ceremonial area within the complex, next to the stepped pyramid. The Heb-Sed tradition was usually held after 30 years (typically shorter) ruling to reaffirm the power of the pharaohs. The festival involved the king "chasing" a sacred bull around the courtyard and catching it by the tail, a sign of defeating opponents. Evidence suggests that Pharaoh Djoser may have performed this routine every 3 years rather than every 30 years. The court building was created as a resting place for the pharaoh's ka (spirit) to inhabit in the afterlife.

Identifier

A01-JEA0003

Recommended Citation

Imhotep (Architect), "Stepped Pyramid of Djoser & Heb-Sed Festival Court, A" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 30.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/30