14 Facts About Djoser

Djoser was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 3rd Dynasty during the Old Kingdom, and was the founder of that epoch.

Djoser is known by his Hellenized names Tosorthros and Sesorthos.

Djoser was the son of King Khasekhemwy and Queen Nimaathap, but whether he was the direct successor to their throne is unclear.

Djoser is known for his step pyramid, which is the earliest colossal stone building in ancient Egypt.

Later sources, which include a New Kingdom reference to his construction, help confirm that Netjerikhet and Djoser are the same person.

Djoser is linked to Khasekhemwy, the last king of the Second Dynasty of Egypt, through his wife Queen Nimaethap via seals found in Khasekhemwy's tomb and at Beit Khallaf.

Djoser's cult seems to have still been active in the later reign of Sneferu.

Djoser is one of the principal candidates for the founder of the Third Dynasty.

Manetho states Djoser ruled Egypt for twenty-nine years, while the Turin King List states it was only nineteen years.

Djoser dispatched several military expeditions to the Sinai Peninsula, during which the local inhabitants were subdued.

Djoser sent expeditions there to mine for valuable minerals such as turquoise and copper.

One of the most famous contemporaries of king Djoser was his vizier, "head of the royal shipyard" and "overseer of all stone works", Imhotep.

Egyptian historian Al-Nuwayri described Djoser as "a king who was a wise ruler of Egypt" and claimed that the Copts had a feast in honour of him called the "vine festival".

Djoser was buried in his famous step pyramid at Saqqara.