Mystery of Egypt's First Pyramid

About this episode

This episode explores the mysteries surrounding Egypt's first pyramid and the cultural practices of ancient Egyptians at Saqqara.

Saqqara – a royal necropolis near Cairo, that’s been burying ancient Egypt’s ruling dynasties for centuries. It’s the site of the first-ever pyramid – the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the rulers of the Old Kingdom. But why did Egyptians start erecting pyramids? How did they build in stone, with such limited technology and resources? What happened to Djoser’s body after his death? And what can possibly explain intriguing discoveries elsewhere at Saqqara; of commoners buried in a manner fit for a pharaoh – and the remains of mummified animals, evidence of a strange cult of bull-worship? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics covered

• Egyptian history
• pyramids
• archaeology
• ancient cultures
• royal necropolis

Keywords

• Step Pyramid
• Djoser
• Saqqara
• ancient Egypt
• bull-worship
• mummified animals
• royal necropolis

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Saqqara, Cairo

More episodes of Naked History – Unearthed

• Lost Pyramids of The Desert · May 31, 2026 · 40 min
• The Bermuda Triangle · May 24, 2026 · 42 min
• The Curse of The Hindenburg · May 17, 2026 · 37 min
• Mount Rushmore · May 10, 2026 · 42 min
• The Lost City of Troy · May 3, 2026 · 38 min
• Tower of Babel, Babylon · April 26, 2026 · 36 min