EGYPT // Want to discover how the ancient Egyptians figured out how to build a pyramid? Head to Saqqara. Serving as the burial ground for ancient Memphis, this 7km (4-mile) site is best known as home to the Step Pyramid of Zoser. This 60m-high (197ft) pyramid is not only the world's oldest stone monument, but also showcases how chief architect Imhotep developed what would become the most iconic of ancient Egypt's building works. Beyond the Step Pyramid, Saqqara is a sprawl of funerary complexes with a glut of richly decorated tombs and other pyramids to explore. The Serapeum is where the sacred Apis bulls were mummified and interred; the walls of the Mastaba of Ti are covered with vivid scenes of daily life, acclaimed as the best-preserved examples of Old Kingdom art; and the interiors of the Pyramid of Titi and Pyramid of Unas are painted with cascades of stars. Saqgara has yet to give up all its secrets - several new tombs containing mummified cats were discovered in late 2018.