Columnar Entrance Corridor, Mortuary Precinct of Djoser

Creator

• Imhotep (Architect)

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

circa 2675-2625 BCE

Abstract

Colonnade of engaged columns in the funerary complex of Djoser

Keywords

Old Kingdom, 3rd Dynasty, Ancient architecture, Stepped pyramid, Colonnade

Alt Text

A group of people standing between ancient stone columns and pillars in a historical site. The scene is framed by two large stone structures in the foreground.

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

The columnar entrance corridor of Djoser's mortuary precinct, part of the Step Pyramid Complex at Saqqara, is a distinct architectural feature of Old Kingdom Egypt. This is the main entrance to the walled enclosure of the funerary complex, the only non-false doorway among 15 openings in the enclosure wall. It leads from the outer court into a roofed colonnade that served as processional and ceremonial passage in front of the hypostyle hall and mortuary temple. The corridor is lined with 20 pairs of engaged columns, total of 40, that resemble bundles of reeds or palm ribs, which was a common material in early Egyptian architecture. Between the columns are 24 small chambers that possibly represent the regions of Upper and Lower Egypt, and may have one held statues of the king or deities. This feature marks a revolutionary shift in Egyptian building techniques.

Identifier

A01-JEA0015

Recommended Citation

Imhotep (Architect), "Columnar Entrance Corridor, Mortuary Precinct of Djoser" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 40.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/40