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 KFCRIS Inaugurates UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures 

Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) inaugurates the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) inaugurates the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi KFCRIS Inaugurates UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures 

Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) inaugurates the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) inaugurates the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) inaugurated on Tuesday the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures with the support of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission (LPTC).

The program aims to encourage research and partnerships in translating cultures and cultural texts and building bridges between civilizations that create diverse cultural dialogues.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, LPTC CEO Dr. Mohammed Hasan Alwan said the inauguration of the UNESCO chair embodies a major aspect of the cultural aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, and boosts international cooperation in the field of research and development

The UNESCO chair will generate scientific contributions in the field of cultural translation, and it will be a leading platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge between researchers worldwide, he stressed.

The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures meets the growing need for specialized research in the humanities and social sciences, comprehensive education, and cultural diversity and encourages partnerships that gather the experience of representatives of academic sectors to bolster scientific research.

It will provide scholarships, organize seminars and enrich current academic theses to develop the concept of Arab culture and cultural diversity.