Egypt 2: Saqqara

 We started in Cairo, the modern capital (although a new capital is being built right now, about 30 miles east).  The ancient Egyptians associated the west with death (the setting sun...) so it is not surprising that the city is on the east side of the Nile.  To the west is Saqqara, a necropolis used for burials from the second dynasty right up to Roman times.  

Here we saw Djoser's step pyramid (2300 BCE). This is arguably the world's oldest large stone building and the architect, Imhotep was later deified. 

    (Cool fact: "Pharoah" means big house.  That's an example of metonymy, the figure of speech in which the place stands for its contents, like when we say the White House when we mean the administration.) 

 

Boundary Wall of the Step Pyramid Complex

    

 We also saw the pyramid of Unas which partially collapsed.  It was the first to contain pyramid texts, guiding the Pharoah through the underworld.

We entered the Tomb of Princess Idut, which has remarkably preserved pictures on the walls.

Scribes

Next: Giza