Sakkara Step Pyramids

The following week-end after my "riders in the storm" adventure, I toured the Sakkara Step Pyramids located a half hour away from the pyamids of Giza. Remarkably, the Sakkara Pyramid is the oldest pyramid in the world. It sits on an ancient burial site that was called the "necropolis" of Memphis, which back then was the ancient capital of Egypt. Consequently, more step pyramids were unearthed nearby, and the group was dubbed the "Sakkara Step Pyramids"; the first pyramids for the first kings and queens of Egypt. These were ancient royals who meticulously prepared for their afterlife by building tombs that would ascend them to their sun god Amun-Re. While these "stairways to heaven" would later be eclipsed by more elaborate tombs found at Giza and the Valley of the Kings in Thebes (Luxor), they still remain in remarkable condition today. Ironically, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the ONLY "wonder" of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World left standing, but the Sakkara Step Pyramid, oldest pyramid still standing, never made the "wonders" list.

The Serapeum or gallery of tombs built across from the Sakkara Pyramid was discovered in 1851 and refurbished in the 1920s.

I couldn't resist taking pictures of these gaily saddled donkeys.

Archaelogical teams continue to unearth burial tombs that are a "work-in-progress" like the one pictured above.

The sky was a perfect contrast to the magesty of the Sakkara Step Pyramid.

Another archaelogical dig was found on the west side of the pyramid, with more step pyramids in the distance.

I found this delightful pair "copping a squat". Wouldn't it have been funny to find them smoking?

In front of the pyramids, were the remains of an ancient corral that was the genesis for today's "rodeos" and "bull fights". During pharaoh's reign, he had to prove his godlike power by taking a bull down with his strength, athletic prowess, skill, and mental cunning. Bear in mind that in ancient times, the bull was considered the most powerful beast on Earth, since it took several lions to bring one down.

Egyptologists believe that some pharaohs actually had servants challenge the bulls dressed as themselves to spare them from the dangerous sport. Talk about taking the "work smarter, not harder" approach too far!

As I left the grandfather of all pyramids behind me...

I couldn't help but be amused by the exiting sign above. At least it was true... I did have a "happy time".