Egypt’s Step Pyramid of Djoser: World's First Engineered Stone Structure

The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)
The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)
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Egypt’s Step Pyramid of Djoser: World's First Engineered Stone Structure

The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)
The monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. (SPA)

To truly travel back in time, there is no better place than Egypt. Beyond the iconic Great Pyramids, the country is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, including the inspiring Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.

This monumental structure is often hailed as the world's oldest engineered stone structure. As the pioneering pyramid of its time, it marked a revolutionary leap in ancient Egyptian architecture. Built during the reign of King Horus Netjerikhet (Djoser) in the 3rd Dynasty, around 2667-2648 BC, it is believed to be the brainchild of the visionary architect Imhotep.

A recent study published by PLOS One, a peer-reviewed open access mega journal published by the Public Library of Science since 2006, titled "On the possible use of hydraulic force to assist with building the Step Pyramid of Saqqara" proposes a new theory about the construction of this pyramid, suggesting that hydraulic lifts may have been used.

Led by Xavier Landrieu of the Paleotechnic Institute, a privately owned research institute specializing in archaeology and ancient technologies analysis, the study challenges the traditional beliefs about the building methods of the Egyptians by suggesting that they utilized waterpower to transport the massive stones.

Djoser's pyramid is more than just a tomb. It is a complex of structures that include temples, courtyards, and underground chambers, forming an ancient city of the dead. At its heart is the pyramid itself, a six-tiered limestone masterpiece rising 61 meters high and enclosed by a massive wall.



Saudi Arabia, Japan Discuss Cultural Relations

The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA
The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Japan Discuss Cultural Relations

The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA
The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA

Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District.

Altouq discussed the growing Saudi-Japanese cultural relations, emphasizing the Saudi Ministry of Culture's commitment to expanding the scope of cultural cooperation and exchange in various cultural fields throughout this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He also highlighted the Kingdom's participation in a national pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka.