Egypt’s Oldest Pyramid Reopens to Public

Egypt’s oldest pyramid has reopened after an extensive 14-year restoration. The Step Pyramid of Djoser [JOH-ser], which is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, reopened last March. It is 60 meters high and is considered Egypt’s first stone pyramid. The tomb of the pyramid’s namesake, Pharaoh Djoser, rests inside. According to the Egyptian government, the cost of the pyramid’s restoration was approximately $6.6 million. The pyramid had been neglected since the 1930s and had deteriorated over time. It was in danger of collapsing after its foundation was damaged by an earthquake. Because of this, the Egyptian government announced plans to restore it in 2006. The pyramid went through major renovations. The pharaoh’s tomb, along with the burial chamber, the central shaft’s ceiling, and the pyramid's internal corridors, were all refurbished and cleaned. However, the restoration was halted from 2011 to 2014 because of political issues. According to one Egyptian official, the restoration of the pyramid is one of the government’s most meaningful projects. An economist added that the government is now implementing major construction projects all over Egypt and is focusing on rebuilding other monuments. They believe that preserving and promoting the country’s historical grounds will reinvigorate tourism, which is currently Egypt’s third-largest source of income.