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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)
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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.

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Dig in Spanish Former Fish Market Reveals Medieval Maritime Treasure

An archaeologist uses a hose to water the keel of the medieval ship, preserving the wood after its discovery during excavation work at a former fish market, at the construction of car park, in Barcelona, Spain April 28, 2025. (Reuters)
An archaeologist uses a hose to water the keel of the medieval ship, preserving the wood after its discovery during excavation work at a former fish market, at the construction of car park, in Barcelona, Spain April 28, 2025. (Reuters)
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Dig in Spanish Former Fish Market Reveals Medieval Maritime Treasure

An archaeologist uses a hose to water the keel of the medieval ship, preserving the wood after its discovery during excavation work at a former fish market, at the construction of car park, in Barcelona, Spain April 28, 2025. (Reuters)
An archaeologist uses a hose to water the keel of the medieval ship, preserving the wood after its discovery during excavation work at a former fish market, at the construction of car park, in Barcelona, Spain April 28, 2025. (Reuters)

Archaeologists digging up a former fish market in Barcelona in northeast Spain have discovered the wreck of a ship that may have sunk about 500 years ago.

The team came across the ruined stern of a large vessel that could have sunk in the 15th or 16th centuries.

A large fragment of the boat, 10 meters long and three meters wide and crossed by more than 30 curved wooden ribs, was found in good condition at a depth of five meters below sea level.

"It is of great importance because it is unusual to find underwater archaeological remains and when we do the studies on the keel and wood, etcetera, more details will be known," said Santiago Palacios Nieto, 30, director of the archaeological team, told Reuters.

"What we've found is a fragment of a ship, likely of Mediterranean-style construction, but with Atlantic influences -probably from the Basque Country or Galicia."

The timbers of the vessel had been preserved by the damp sand that covered it. The team must now ensure the wreck is preserved from drying out, so it has to be watered night and day.