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Photos: Egypt’s ancient step pyramid reopens after renovation
Egyptian authorities reopened the 4,700-year-old step pyramid of Djoser to the public on Thursday, March 5, after years of renovation. The roughly 60-metre-high (almost 200 feet) pyramid dominates the vast Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, and is part of the ancient capital of Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating to 2,680 BC, the Djoser pyramid was built under the direction of architect Imhotep. A 1992 earthquake caused considerable damage to the monument's interior. Renovations started in 2006 but were interrupted in 2011 and 2012 for "security reasons", before resuming in 2013, said Ayman Gamal Eddine, project manager at the antiquities ministry.
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A general view shows the step pyramid of Djoser in Egypt's Saqqara necropolis, south of the capital Cairo. On Thursday, March 5, Egyptian authorities inaugurated the famed step pyramid of Djoser,one of the earliest built in the country’s ancient history, after years of renovation. The 4,700-year-old structure is nestled south of Cairo in the ancient capital of Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to some of Egypt's most fascinating monuments. (Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)
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A tourist walks inside the step pyramid of Djoser. Dating to 2,680 BC, the Djoser pyramid was built under the direction of architect Imhotep. A 1992 earthquake caused considerable damage to the monument’s interior. Renovations started in 2006 but were interrupted in 2011 and 2012 for “security reasons”, before resuming in 2013, said Ayman Gamal Eddine, project manager at the antiquities ministry. (Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)
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A sarcophagus inside the step pyramid of Djoser. Thursday’s reopening was attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli as well as foreign ambassadors. The premier said the renovation cost more than 104 million Egyptian pounds (Rs 50 crore). “We are working hard to build a new Egypt ... and the restoration of our heritage is at the top of our priorities”, Madbouli said. (Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)
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Tourists tour inside the step pyramid of Djoser. Controversy erupted in 2014 when Egyptian media reported that the Djoser pyramid had been damaged during restoration work, with several Egyptian NGOs saying the monument’s original facade had been altered. (Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)
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Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, left, and Minister of Antiquities and Tourism Khaled al-Enany hold a press conference in front of the step pyramid of Djoser. Enany said on Thursday that after criticism from UNESCO experts, works were undertaken in conformity with the UN body’s norms and “in 2018, UNESCO gave us positive reports”. (Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)
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A woman tours inside the step pyramid of Djoser. Egypt has touted a flurry of archaeological finds in recent years, in the hope of boosting its vital tourism sector, which has suffered multiple shocks since the 2011 uprising. Last year, authorities unveiled a 4,500-year-old burial ground near the Giza pyramids replete with colourful wooden coffins and limestone statues. (Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)
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