The Step Pyramid was built during the reign of Djoser in the 3^rd Dynasty. The architect of this impressive monument was the vizier Imhotep. However, the years have taken their toll, so restoration work was started to preserve this site. French Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer did restoration work at this site for many years, and the SCA's current projects are a continuation of this.  The north side of the Step Pyramid has been restored beautifully and now we are working on the south side of the pyramid, which was in poor condition. We also plan to clear and excavate the west side of the pyramid in preparation for the restoration work that will be undertaken there in the near future.

 

Inside the Step Pyramid, the burial chamber of Djoser was also in disrepair and very dangerous to enter. We decided the only way to save it was to construct a scaffolding to support the walls and the ceiling, so we brought in an English team to help with this work. We will not remove the king's sarcophagus, but will leave it in the burial chamber and restore around it.

 

As part of Djoser’s funerary complex, in association with the pyramid, is a mysterious structure called the South Tomb. Egyptologists generally agree that Djoser was buried in his pyramid, but there is another tomb just to the south of the pyramid that includes all the features of a royal tomb, including depictions of the king. The burial chamber of the South Tomb is similar to that in the Step Pyramid, but much smaller. This tomb has been thought to be a symbolic burial for the ka or spirit of the king or that it had a ritual function during the Sed Festival celebrating the king’s rule. Though this tomb was less damaged than the pyramid’s burial chamber, it was in need of restoration. We are working now to conserve it, including the unique walls of blue faience tiles that are characteristic of Djoser’s funerary complex.