10.1 Early Tomb Structures: Mastabas and Step Pyramids

Ancient Egyptian tombs evolved from simple mastabas to grand pyramids. Mastabas were flat-roofed structures housing the elite, with underground burial chambers and decorated walls. These tombs played a crucial role in preserving the deceased's spirit for the afterlife.

The Step Pyramid marked a significant leap in tomb architecture. Built for Pharaoh Djoser, it was the first monumental stone structure in Egypt. Designed by Imhotep, it paved the way for future pyramids and showcased the growing power of pharaohs.

Early Tomb Structures in Ancient Egypt

Features of mastaba tombs

Top images from around the web for Features of mastaba tombs

• 

  artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mastaba de Mereruka | La mastaba (tumba) de Mereruka, visir … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  AWOL - The Ancient World Online: The Architecture of Mastaba Tombs in the Unas Cemetery View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mastaba de Mereruka | La mastaba (tumba) de Mereruka, visir … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Features of mastaba tombs

• 

  artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mastaba de Mereruka | La mastaba (tumba) de Mereruka, visir … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  AWOL - The Ancient World Online: The Architecture of Mastaba Tombs in the Unas Cemetery View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mastaba de Mereruka | La mastaba (tumba) de Mereruka, visir … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Rectangular, flat-roofed tombs constructed using mud-brick or stone materials
• Served as burial places for elite members of society and royal officials
  • Housed the mummified body of the deceased along with grave goods and offerings to sustain them in the afterlife
• Comprised of two main sections:
  • Substructure: Underground burial chamber accessed via a vertical shaft
  • Superstructure: Above-ground rectangular structure with inward sloping sides
• Included a chapel or offering room where the deceased's spirit could receive offerings
• Walls frequently adorned with scenes portraying the deceased's life and offerings presented to them

Significance of Step Pyramid

• First monumental stone building constructed in ancient Egypt
  • Built during the Third Dynasty (c. 2670-2613 BCE) as the tomb for Pharaoh Djoser
• Represents a transitional phase from mastaba tombs to the true pyramids of later dynasties
• Demonstrates the increasing power and resources available to the pharaohs
• Surrounded by a large limestone wall enclosing dummy buildings and courtyards
  • Complex features the Heb-Sed court, linked to the pharaoh's jubilee festival celebrating their reign

Imhotep's role in pyramid development

• Imhotep, a multi-talented individual, served as the architect responsible for designing the Step Pyramid of Djoser
  • Held prestigious titles including "Chancellor of the King of Lower Egypt" and "High Priest of Heliopolis"
• Pioneered the use of stone as the primary building material in tomb construction
  • Prior to this, mud-brick was the predominant material used
• Innovative design of the Step Pyramid set the stage for future pyramid construction
  • Proved the feasibility of building on a monumental scale using stone
• Later revered as a god of wisdom and medicine during the Late Period and Ptolemaic Era

Symbolism in early tomb structures

• Tombs functioned as eternal dwellings for the deceased's spirit (ka)
  • Considered crucial for the afterlife
• Tomb orientation and entrance often aligned with the cardinal directions
  • Symbolically linked to the sun god Ra's daily journey across the sky
• Offering chapels and false doors enabled the deceased's spirit to receive sustenance
  • Offerings typically included food, drink, and provisions for the afterlife
• Decorations and inscriptions within the tomb ensured the deceased's eternal well-being
  • Depicted scenes of daily life, religious rituals, and the deceased's accomplishments
• The form of the mastaba and Step Pyramid possibly symbolized the primordial mound
  • In Egyptian creation myths, the mound rose from the waters of chaos, giving rise to the world