Which Egyptian pharaoh of the 3rd Dynasty commissioned the world's first monumental stone pyramid—the Step Pyramid at Saqqara—designed by the royal architect Imhotep?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Pharaoh Djoser (Netjerikhet)
- Step 1: Reigning around 2670 BCE, Djoser commissioned his royal chancellor, high priest, and master architect Imhotep to construct a permanent stone funerary complex.
- Step 2: Imhotep stacked six diminishing mastabas atop one another to create a 62-meter six-tier stepped limestone pyramid, marking the revolutionary transition from mud-brick mastabas to stone pyramid architecture.
Answer
Pharaoh Djoser (Netjerikhet)
Why not the others: 'Pharaoh Sneferu' Sneferu, founder of the 4th Dynasty, built the Meidum Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, and Red Pyramid at Dahshur; 'Pharaoh Menkaure' Menkaure built the third and smallest pyramid at Giza during the 4th Dynasty; 'Pharaoh Narmer' Narmer was the 1st Dynasty unifier of Egypt who was buried in a traditional mud-brick mastaba tomb at Abydos.
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