Few symbols epitomize the essence of Egypt more than the Great Pyramids of Giza, standing as the oldest and sole surviving wonders of the ancient world.

Moving beyond the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, we find the early Egyptian kings' burial sites, marked by the construction of ‘mastabas’ — mounds which formed the foundation for the first pyramid. This inaugural pyramid, is now widely recognized as the Step Pyramid or Saqqara Pyramid, and it was my first stop on the west bank of the Nile River.

Constructed over 4500 years ago during the third dynasty, the Step Pyramid served as the final resting place for Pharaoh Djoser. Approaching the pyramid means first entering a sprawling complex through a monumental hall adorned with evenly spaced rows of columns, creating an imposing corridor. These 40 pillars, rising to a height of 6 metres, were designed to mimic reeds and papyrus stalks. Exiting the hall leads to an open courtyard, with the pyramid situated at the northern horizon. In addition, sections of the complex's original wall, embellished with symbolic cobras denoting Egyptian royalty, are still intact.

While the pyramid commands attention in the courtyard, the "house of the south" and the "house of the north" share the stage. The former houses the earliest instance of tourist graffiti from the 12th century BC, dating back to 1232 BC, nearly 1500 years post-Djoser's era. The story goes that a record-keeper impressed with the structures wrote his admiration in hieratic script, now preserved behind protective glass.

Adjacent to the pyramid stands a small stone room, the serdab, housing a statue of Pharaoh Djoser. Peer into the two openings to face the deceased king; however, this one is a replica, as the original is housed in the Cairo Museum. The original entrance to the Step Pyramid, situated behind the serdab, leads to a labyrinth network of tunnels, approximately 5.5 kilometres long, housing passages and rooms, including the King's burial chamber.

Saqqara's allure extends beyond the pyramid, with the tombs showcasing the main necropolis for the early dynasties of Ancient Egypt. It’s thought that hundreds of people were buried here. Some of the walls in these rooms have hieroglyphics and other images carved and painted into the walls.

Next week, dear reader, we will journey 14 kilometres from Saqqara to the Great Pyramids of Giza. Notably, these iconic structures were built roughly 80 years later during the reign of King Snefru, founder of the Fourth Dynasty (2680–2560 BCE). I hope you join me next week.