King Zoser, second ruler of the Third Dynasty (c. 2686-2613BC), was the first Egyptian king to develop the resources and administration of the country to the point where a great funerary monument could be built. By this he established a precedent that was followed by his successors for hundreds of years, climaxing with the construction of the Great Pyramids at [M 002 / P 002&P051 / Giza]. His tomb, the [P 001&P058 / Step Pyramid] of [M 002 / Saqqara], is the oldest large-scale stone building in the world and the earliest-known tall monument built by Egyptians. Constructed in about 2,700BC on a plateau overlooking the ancient capital of [M 002 / Memphis], it marked a new stage in architectural design. Earlier monuments were built of sun-dried mud brick with stone used only for doors or tomb-chamber flagstones. In choosing to create a structure entirely of stone, Zoser's architect, [L3 209 / Imhotep], had no tradition to draw from. Therefore, he turned to [I 030 / V 007 / existing forms in domestic building and imitated them in stone]: bundles of reeds tied together with their heads fanning out, logs placed edgewise to form a roof, palm stalks, reed fences, matting and papyrus.
The size and scope of the project were also without established precedent - earlier burial monuments ranged from the simplest pit to the [G 017/ mastaba]. The Step Pyramid began as a mastaba like those built by the First and Second Dynasty kings. It was faced with fine white Tura limestone quarried from across the river and dressed as a completed tomb. However, with possible advances in quarrying, transportation and recruitment of necessary labor, Imhotep decided to experiment with the design. Through subsequent renovations, the ground plan was expanded and the height increased to form the funerary compound that now dominates the Saqqara Plateau.
The plan of the [P 001 / Step Pyramid] complex was symbolic. The temples and buildings surrounding the funerary monument were copied from the state capital so that Zoser could relive his earthly experience in the afterlife. Also, as Zoser had complete political and religious authority over Upper and Lower Egypt, all principal elements of the complex were presented in pairs and all rituals were carried out twice. This represented his dual capacity as king of the Two Lands and their unification.
From a modern perspective, Zoser's funerary complex was significant on two points. Firstly, its structures were copied from the Third Dynasty capital of Memphis and administrative and religious activities can therefore be determined from the Saqqara site. Secondly, the diversity and originality of the architectural style Imhotep created was a recognized influence in future dynasties.
The political and economic stability of Zoser's 19-year rule led to active exploitation of Egypt's mineral resources, great strides in architecture and increased commercial exchange with neighboring countries. This period was considered Egypt's first great cultural flowering.
