Djoser

The founder of the Old Kingdom, Djoser, was a pharaoh of the Ninth Dynasty, who cannot fail to be mentioned in the list of the most famous ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. The pyramid was created to protect the tomb of Pharaoh Djoser and it was created by stacking huge blocks of limestone in a mastaba style. The stones have inscriptions engraved on them and the building is a great example of an architectural form that is intelligent but does not lose its stability despite its height. The structure was completed after Djoser's death by his official, Imhotep.

Specifics regarding Djoser are limited, but many of his archaeological works tell his story. In a series of successful military campaigns, he secured the borders of Egypt for the first time. He then proceeded to capture neighboring territories, conquering parts of Libya and the Sinai Peninsula. Legend has it that he saved Egypt from a seven-year famine by rebuilding the Temple of Khnum, the god of the source of the Nile, on Elephantine Island. The legend is recorded on the Famine Stele, built hundreds of years later during the Ptolemaic Dynasty. The growth of this legend, even during times of great difficulty, speaks to Djoser's popularity as Pharaoh. As the land enjoyed peace and prosperity, Djoser turned his attention to building projects.

• Duration of reign: 2686 BC – 2649 BC