Step Pyramid of Djoser 2668 BC - 2649 BC Saqqara, Egypt

Djoser's pyramid is the first in Egypt, and the earliest stone building of comparable size in the world. Its first layer is a mastaba (slab-covered pit tomb). The architect, Imhotep, added five more layers to create a six-step pyramid. The Egyptians were so impressed by this new kind of building, that they deified Imhotep after his death. Symbolically, the pyramid's steps represent a staircase by which Pharaoh's spirit could mount to the starry heaven.

Saqqara lies ten or so miles south of Giza, near the ancient capital of Memphis.