A mastaba is an ancient Egyptian tomb structure that predates the famous pyramids. Typically rectangular in shape, it features a flat roof and sloping sides. Mastabas were built from mudbrick or stone and served as burial places for the elite, including pharaohs and high-ranking officials. They often contained a burial chamber and a chapel for offerings. Inside a mastaba, there were usually intricate wall paintings and inscriptions that depicted the deceased's life and provided guidance for the afterlife. The design of mastabas influenced later tomb constructions, including the step pyramids, such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which marked a significant evolution in ancient Egyptian architecture.