The South Court is a large, almost rectangular open area located to the South of the Step Pyramid. It is the first open court encountered when entering the complex via the Entrance Hall.
The walls around this court were dressed in fine limestone, parts of which still remain visible today. The recessed panels on this wall are similar to those on the outside of the enclosure wall, but on the inside of the complex, there are no protruding bastions.
Almost centred in this court are two stone constructions shaped like our letter B, at some distance from each other and with their backs facing each other.
These constructions, of which the rounded part appears to have been higher that the straight part, have been identified as being connected to the Heb Sed, the ritual which was celebrated to rejuvenate the king. Between these two constructions, the kings was supposed to perform a ritual run, to show his ability and physical vigour.
Close to the pyramid, and slightly off-centre, was a small altar, almost square in shape, with a small approach ramp.
A view from the Western Massif towards Temple ’T’ over the South Court.