jan 1, 2650 BC - Creation of first pyramid

Description:

"Unusual" revolution in Egyptian architecture (Freeman, Pg 22) through the construction of a stepped pyramid; the monument is not only the world's first pyramid, but also the world's first large stone monument ("); also is first to feature fluted columns, where they represent bundles of reeds or carved wooden tree trunks (which were originally used by the Egyptians as columns) ("); pyramid is design of the priest Imhotep for the king Sneferu, located at Saqqara, and has a limestone facade ("); the tradition of building in stone is clearly established by this juncture ("), with limestone sourced domestically in Jura ("); various theories proposed to justify change in funerary practices - some believe that it was simply to increase the awe evoked by the building through facilitating a large increase to the size of the structure ("), whilst others believe that the king's official association with a star cult (and implied devotion) suggests that it was thought that the steps of the pyramid might allow the spirit of the king to literally climb into the heavens ("); the 'Pyramid Texts' (inscriptions from later pyramids) appear to support the latter hypothesis (").