THE TOMB of an ancient Egyptian king who lived around 4,500 years ago has been restored and opened to the public.
King Djoser’s death thousands of years ago was honoured by the building of the stunning South Tomb but his body remains in the nearby Step Pyramid.
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This is the entrance to the southern cemetery of King DjoserCredit: Avalon.red
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Visitors can explore a labyrinth of corridorsCredit: Avalon.red
The pyramid and tomb are located at the Saqqara complex near Cairo.
The South Tomb has been under extensive restoration for the past 15 years.
Most of the tomb is underground and features a long maze of corridors decorated with hieroglyphs and tiles.
Experts think the tomb was built between 2667 BC and 2648 BC for symbolic reasons or to hold pharaoh Djoser’s organs.
Highlights in the South Tomb include intricate carvings and walls covered with blue stones.
King Djoser is said to have ruled Egypt for about 19 years.
Experts know him for his use of stone architecture and his personal architect Imhotep.
The outside of the South Tomb is a fine example of impressive ancient Egyptian architecture.
Guests enter through a large rectangular entrance and then down 98 feet to a labyrinth of corridors below.
There is a burial chamber in the tomb but it is seen as too small to have been anything more than symbolic.
The South Tomb was damaged after an earthquake in 1992 and had been battered by harsh desert weather condition.
Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism said restoration began in 2006.
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It’s taken 15 years to restore the tombCredit: Rex
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Visitors need to descend 98 footCredit: Avalon.red
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The drop down into the South Tomb is opposite the famous Step PyramidCredit: Alamy
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Intricate carvings can be seen insideCredit: EPA
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