Beginning with the Third Dynasty King Djoser, who ruled from 2650- 2631 BCE, constructed the earliest monumental architecture in Egypt. Imhotep was the designer of this great establishment was also the prime minister and royal advisor. This tomb was called stepped pyramid and sham buildings of the funerary complex of Djoser.  With a height of 204′, the tomb was primarily built out of limestone and finely cut stone with six mastaba  elements that are stacked. The stepped pyramid was used just to protect Djoser’s tomb. The funerary temple was used as a worship place for the dead.

The next closest related structure is the Great Pyramids of Giza. These three pyramids were built after the Fourth Dynasty Kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The pyramids were made of limestone and granite. In addition, next to each of the pyramids was a funerary temple connected by an “elevated road to a valley temple on the bank of the Nile”.   It was a tradition to have the Kings body carried from his royal palace to the valley temple which is across the Nile, which it is then hidden inside the pyramid.

Then we have the Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut, which is located in Deir el-Bahari. This temple is considered one of the most spectacular of the New Kingdom. Her temple was made of three levels connected by ramps and colonnades, which are rows of columns. The colonnade on the top lead to a hypostyle hall, which is a large column-filed space with chapels which were dedicated to her, her father, and a few other Gods.   It was unique because Hatshepsut’s actual tomb was hidden approximately a mile away in hills.  Her temple was much more larger and distinguished then her tomb.

Finally, is the Great temple of Amun at Karnak which is said be the largest religious structure ever constructed. This temple was in honor of Theban, his wife Mut, and their son Khons.   This structure is approximately 200 acres, again which is said to be the largest. Located in the middle of the temple is a sanctuary containing the God’s statue, which could be reached through the courtyard or a hypostyle hall. The statue of the God Amun was bathed in holy water, clothed in fine linen, and covered with gold and silver.