Djoser

Djoser ruled Egypt during the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, ruling from approximately 2667 BC to 2648 BC, though dates are uncertain by about 20 years. The son of Khasekhemwy and Queen Nimaathap, Djoser ruled from the royal capital at Memphis. His reign marked a decisive technological and artistic leap that separated the Early Dynastic period from the grand monumentality of the Old Kingdom.

Before Djoser, royal tombs were constructed mainly from mudbrick mastabas. Working with his high official Imhotep, Djoser commissioned a revolutionary monument at Saqqara. This complex began as a square mastaba and was expanded through successive stages into a six-tiered step pyramid built entirely of limestone blocks. Surrounding the pyramid was a vast limestone enclosure wall containing mock shrines, ceremonial courtyards, and underground galleries, all designed to ensure the eternal performance of the royal Sed festival in the afterlife.

Beyond Saqqara, Djoser maintained state control over valuable trade routes, leaving rock-cut reliefs at the mining grounds of Wadi Maghara in the Sinai Peninsula. His family life is attested by contemporary statues and inscriptions that name his consort Hetephernebty and his daughter Inetkawes.

Scholars know Djoser from contemporary inscriptions that consistently name him by his Horus name, Netjerikhet, meaning Divine of Body. The name Djoser, meaning Holy, only gained prominence in much later records and king lists. His life is also documented through the famous life-sized painted limestone statue discovered in his serdab at Saqqara.

Monuments

• Step Pyramid complex at Saqqara
• Wadi Maghara reliefs

Explore further

Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.