10.1 Early Tomb Structures: Mastabas and Step Pyramids
3 min read•july 22, 2024
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 .
The marked a significant leap in tomb architecture. Built for Pharaoh , it was the first monumental stone structure in Egypt. Designed by , it paved the way for future pyramids and showcased the growing power of pharaohs.
Early Tomb Structures in Ancient Egypt
Features of mastaba tombs
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artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original
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AWOL - The Ancient World Online: The Architecture of Mastaba Tombs in the Unas Cemetery View original
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artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original
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Top images from around the web for Features of mastaba tombs
artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original
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Mastaba de Mereruka | La mastaba (tumba) de Mereruka, visir … | Flickr View original
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AWOL - The Ancient World Online: The Architecture of Mastaba Tombs in the Unas Cemetery View original
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artechachi: El conjunto de Zoser en Sakara View original
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- 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:
- : Underground accessed via a vertical shaft
- : Above-ground rectangular structure with inward sloping sides
- Included a chapel or 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 (c. 2670-2613 BCE) as the tomb for Pharaoh Djoser
- Represents a transitional phase from 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 , 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 ()
- 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 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
Key Terms to Review (23)
Afterlife: The afterlife in ancient Egyptian belief refers to the continuation of existence after death, where the soul embarks on a journey toward immortality. This concept is deeply woven into the fabric of ancient Egyptian civilization, influencing their rituals, tomb constructions, and religious practices aimed at ensuring a successful transition from the earthly realm to a blessed eternal life.
Ancestor worship: Ancestor worship is the practice of honoring and revering deceased ancestors, often believing that their spirits can influence the living. This practice plays a crucial role in many ancient cultures, emphasizing the connection between the past and present, particularly in the context of funerary rites, offerings, and memorialization.
Burial chamber: A burial chamber is an enclosed space within a tomb designed to house the body of the deceased and their grave goods for the afterlife. This space often features intricate decorations, inscriptions, and artifacts intended to honor the deceased and ensure their safe passage into the next world. The layout and design of burial chambers reflect the social status of the individuals interred within them and are crucial components of ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
Corbelled arch: A corbelled arch is a construction technique where stones or bricks are stacked in a way that each layer extends further out than the one below it, creating an arch-like shape without the use of true arch principles. This method allows for the formation of openings and roofs in structures, such as tombs and temples, by distributing weight more evenly. It is particularly significant in early architecture where the lack of advanced engineering techniques made this method an effective solution for creating vaulted spaces.
Djoser: Djoser was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the Third Dynasty, known for commissioning the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which is regarded as the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. His reign marked a significant advancement in funerary architecture, transitioning from simple mastabas to complex pyramid structures, reflecting both his power and the evolving beliefs about the afterlife in ancient Egypt.
Funerary offerings: Funerary offerings are items presented to the deceased during burial rituals, intended to support them in the afterlife and ensure their comfort and sustenance. These offerings often included food, drink, tools, and valuable objects, reflecting the belief in a continuing existence beyond death and the importance of maintaining a connection between the living and the deceased.
Giza: Giza is an ancient city located on the Giza Plateau, known for its monumental architecture, including the Great Pyramid, one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt. This site played a critical role in the development of early tomb structures like mastabas and step pyramids, showcasing advancements in funerary architecture and religious practices surrounding death and the afterlife.
Heb-sed court: The heb-sed court was a significant ritual space in ancient Egypt that played a central role in the Sed Festival, a celebration of the pharaoh's continued rule and vitality. This court was typically located near the royal tomb and featured specific architectural elements designed to facilitate the ceremonial activities associated with the festival, which emphasized the importance of renewal and reaffirmation of the king's power.
Imhotep: Imhotep was an ancient Egyptian polymath, recognized primarily as the architect of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which is considered the earliest monumental stone building in history. He is also credited with significant contributions to medicine, engineering, and writing, marking him as a pivotal figure in the development of early Egyptian civilization and its architectural innovations.
Ka: Ka is a vital concept in ancient Egyptian religion, representing the life force or spiritual essence of an individual. It was believed to exist alongside the physical body and needed sustenance even after death, connecting deeply to various religious practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
Limestone casing: Limestone casing refers to the outer layer of finely cut limestone blocks used to encase the core of ancient Egyptian structures, particularly in tombs and pyramids. This decorative and functional layer not only provided a smooth and polished appearance but also helped protect the underlying structure from erosion and weathering. The use of limestone casing is significant in the design and construction of early tombs, as it reflects both aesthetic values and practical considerations in ancient Egyptian architecture.
Mastaba: A mastaba is a flat-roofed, rectangular structure with sloping sides that served as an ancient Egyptian tomb, primarily used during the Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom. These tombs were built over burial chambers, providing a space for the deceased and their offerings, while also being a focal point for rituals and remembrance. The design of mastabas was a precursor to more elaborate structures, showcasing the evolution of Egyptian tomb architecture.
Mastaba: A mastaba is an ancient Egyptian tomb structure characterized by a rectangular base and sloping sides, typically built of mudbrick or stone. These tombs served as burial places for the elite and were designed to provide a place for the deceased's spirit to reside, showcasing the importance of the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture.
Offering room: An offering room is a designated space within an ancient Egyptian tomb where food, drink, and other items were placed as offerings for the deceased. These rooms were vital for ensuring that the departed received sustenance in the afterlife, reflecting the belief in life after death and the importance of ritual in ancient Egyptian culture.
Old Kingdom: The Old Kingdom is a period in ancient Egyptian history that lasted from around 2686 to 2181 BCE, known for the establishment of a centralized state and monumental architecture, particularly the construction of pyramids. This era represents the height of the power and culture of ancient Egypt, laying foundational aspects of its religious practices and beliefs.
Opening of the mouth: The opening of the mouth is a significant ancient Egyptian ritual performed on the deceased, aimed at restoring their senses and allowing them to interact with the world of the living. This ceremony, integral to funerary practices, symbolizes the awakening of the deceased's spirit and their ability to speak, eat, and breathe in the afterlife. It connects deeply with daily temple rituals, tomb architecture, early burial structures, and the mummification process as it emphasizes the importance of life after death.
Saqqara: Saqqara is an ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the necropolis for the ancient capital of Memphis. It is best known for its Step Pyramid of Djoser, which marks a significant evolution in tomb architecture and reflects key developments in ancient Egyptian burial practices and beliefs.
Step pyramid: A step pyramid is a type of pyramid structure that features a series of successively smaller platforms or steps, creating a tiered appearance. This architectural style represents an evolution from the earlier mastaba tombs and was primarily used during the Third Dynasty of ancient Egypt, marking a significant advancement in royal burial practices and ceremonial architecture.
Stepped design: Stepped design refers to an architectural style characterized by a series of progressively smaller levels or steps, creating a terraced effect. This design is prominently featured in early Egyptian tomb structures, such as mastabas and step pyramids, which were constructed as a means to elevate the burial chamber and symbolize the ascent to the afterlife.
Substructure: In ancient Egyptian architecture, a substructure refers to the foundational elements of a tomb or pyramid that support the superstructure above. This includes the underground chambers and passageways, which were designed to secure and protect the burial site, providing both structural integrity and spiritual significance in the afterlife journey.
Superstructure: In the context of ancient Egyptian architecture, superstructure refers to the part of a building that is above the foundation. It includes all visible elements, such as walls, roofs, and decorative features. The design and construction of the superstructure were crucial in tomb architecture, particularly in structures like mastabas and step pyramids, which served both practical and ritualistic purposes for the deceased.
Third dynasty: The third dynasty of ancient Egypt marks a significant period in the Early Dynastic Period, approximately 2670-2610 BCE, characterized by the advancement of monumental architecture and the evolution of royal tomb designs. During this time, the use of step pyramids became more pronounced, transitioning from simple mastabas to more complex structures, which reflected the increasing importance of the pharaoh in both religion and society.
Trapezoidal shape: A trapezoidal shape refers to a geometric figure that has a pair of parallel sides and two non-parallel sides, resembling a trapezoid. In the context of early tomb structures, this shape is significant as it relates to the design of mastabas and step pyramids, influencing their architectural style and structural integrity.