1Step Pyramid of Zoser (other spelling: Djsor). Located at the ancient necropolis at Saqqara, in the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. (March 18)
2 Looking at successively closer images in this series of slides shows how the pyramid was built and the scale of stones use for the pyramid.
3 Here the people to the right give a sense of scale and how immense the structures are.
4 This pyramid, was built earlier than those at the Giza Necropolis using techniques that some say were "experimental," using more primative techniques than those used at Giza.
5 Closeup of stones from which the pyramid was built.
6 The pyramid was built in the 27th century BC — that is, ~ 4,700 years ago, making them older than the "ancient" pyramids in Giza, nearer to Cairo. The pyramid is part of the archeological remains in the Saqqara necropolis, ~12 mi south of Cairo. It was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by Imhotep, his vizier and is the central feature of a vast mortuary complex.
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8 Nearby tomb.
9 No cameras!
10 Beautifully preserved paintings — thousands of years old.
11 Camel drivers resting on hill behind pyramid.
12 Camel driver poses for a picture.
13 Betty loves animals.
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15 One of our party climbing aboard for camel ride.