Located in Saqqara, just south of Cairo, the Pyramid of Djoser, or the Step Pyramid, is considered the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt and the prototype for later pyramids. Built during the Third Dynasty for Pharaoh Djoser by his architect Imhotep around 2670 BC, the pyramid consists of six stepped layers. Originally intended as a mastaba, it was expanded into a pyramid and is surrounded by a complex of courtyards, temples, and shrines, representing a significant evolution in ancient Egyptian architecture.