The Pyramid of Djoser, located at Saqqara in Egypt, is not only renowned for its architectural significance but also for the remarkable artifacts discovered beneath it. Among these treasures are a collection of stone vases, some of the oldest examples of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. These vases, believed to be over 4,500 years old, provide a glimpse into the advanced techniques and artistic skills of the ancient Egyptians prior to the Third Dynasty.
The vases are crafted from a variety of materials, including alabaster, limestone, schist, and even harder stones such as diorite and granite. The choice of materials highlights the extreme ability to work with both soft and incredibly hard stones, a feat that would have required considerable expertise and specialized tools.
One of the most intriguing aspects of these vases is the precision with which they were made. Despite the limited knowledge of technology available at the time, the manufacturing process managed to create vessels with remarkably thin walls, projected handles and smooth surfaces. This would have proved to be challenging even by today's machining standards.
The discovery of these vases beneath the Pyramid of Djoser not only showcases the Ancients' technical prowess but also their cultural emphasis on art and craftsmanship of which theme continues into the dynasties periods that followed.
These artifacts remain a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the ancient builders, continuing to raise questions amongst tourists, archaeologists and historians alike.
These can be seen at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo having now opened its first twelve incredible gallery displays.
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