Imhotep

Paper Summary:

Imhotep was a royal advisor, architect, priest, astrologist, sculptor, poet, sage, engineer, city planner and physician, among many other talents. This paper examines Imhotep's contributions to the development of Ancient Egypt in the fields of architecture, medicine, irrigation and philosophy.

From the Paper:

"Referred to as "the archetype of the perfect man of learning" (IKOS) with good reason, the list of official titles given to him are numerous and impressive. Found inscribed onto a statue of Djoser, Pharaoh Netjerykhet, Imhotep is identified as a vizier, "Overseer of the Seers," "First for the King," "Director of Public Works in Upper and Lower Egypt," "Keeper of the Seals of Lower Egypt," "Recorder of the Annals," "and "Supervisor of the Great Palace." (Silverman, 178) As an architect and builder, he made a world-changing innovation by building with stone rather than mud bricks, ensuring the longevity of the Egyptian legacy. His construction of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the first Pyramid ever constructed, earned him a unique place in history as the first architect with a recorded name."

More papers on Imhotep:

• Essay # 60689 : "The Stepped Pyramid of Djoser"
• Film Review # 62326 : "The Mummy"
• Essay # 30261 : "The Pyramids"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: