The Step Pyramid is the oldest known large stone structure, having been built in the 3rd Dynasty around 2615 BCE. As such it represents a tremendous technological and architectural leap forward. The pyramid began as a simple mastaba which was expanded upon several times until the pyramid had six steps, that reached a height of about 60 m, and a total volume of 330,400 cubic meters. The pyramid is set in an elaborate enclosure with outer walls that were originally 10.4 m high and enclose an area of 15 ha (37 acres). The total length of the outer wall is 1637 m, or a little over one mile.
Close-up of the north face. Note the three people at the bottom center of the picture for a sense of the scale.
View of the southern court of the Step Pyramid Complex from atop the enclosure wall looking to the southeast. The rear of the Heb-Sed court is in the left center of the picture and the restored entrance colonnade is to the right. The remains of two boundary markers can be seen in the courtyard.
This composite photo shows the pyramid, as seen from the southeast, and the remains of the Heb-Sed court. Part of the remaining eastern portion of the outer court wall is also visible in the foreground.
The southern court of the pyramid complex. The south entrance to the pyramid is clearly visible near the center of the picture.
