Ancient Egypt is a time period in history that provides much fascination for many people. The great pyramids, this rich culture, and the many monuments that were built during Ancient Egypt are all aspects that help create this mysterious and interesting atmosphere of the time of the Pharaohs.
Ancient Egyptians loved their culture, and even more so, they loved the land in which they lived. Being very religious people, they honored many gods throughout their land. This mindset of worship brought an attitude of overall thankfulness among the population of the people during this time. Because this ancient Egyptian culture was one that is filled with marvelous beauty, cryptic hieroglyphics, and incredible monuments, it continues to drive archeologists to keep digging and researching this great nation for more discoveries on how these people lived.
One important person present during this rich period in history was Imhotep. There are various spellings of this man’s name, such as Immutef, Im-hotep and li-em-Hotep, but he is most commonly known as Imhotep. Without this remarkable nobleman and his contributions during this time in history, it is quite possible that much of the rich culture involving ancient Egypt would not have existed today. Imhotep was the first recorded architect and physician throughout all of human history.
Imhotep achieved a lot of great things in his lifetime. Though he was born a commoner, that did not stop him in to becoming successful and climbing the social ladder. He rose to not only become Egyptian Pharaoh Djoser’s chief architect, but also his most trusted advisor. An Egyptian polymath, Imhotep faithfully served King Dsjoer under the Third Dynasty for many years. He is most notably recognized as the creator of the pharaoh’s tomb; the Step Pyramid.
However, Imhotep’s achievements do not stop here. He was also an inventor of many things throughout his lifetime. Imhotep can be credited with the invention of the pyramids, the method of stoned-dressed buildings, using columns in agriculture, and so much more. Imhotep was also extremely well known for medicine, and he identified and cured many diseases during his life. It is even suspected that Imhotep founded a school in Memphis, which was a part of his cult center that is well known.
Imhotep further defied the expectations of a commoner by being given a divine status after his death. First, he became a demigod of medicine. Sometime later, he became a full God of the Ancient Egyptian Pantheon. Imhotep’s legacy extends even further than Egypt. In Greek Culture, Imhotep has been compared to the Greek healing God, Asklepios. In addition, the Romans even paid tribute to him. In his honor, they built an obelisk monument that reads, “He hears the plea of him who calls him. He lets the needy become well.”
It has not yet been discovered where Imhotep’s tomb is buried, but researchers are currently looking for it. It is highly suspected that his tomb may be lying somewhere in the Saqqara Burial Ground in Egypt. Whether that is true or not is yet to be seen.