The Stepped Pyramid of Djoser

Paper Summary:

This paper asserts that the ancient Egyptian sage Imhotep has two unique claims to fame: 1) he provides historians with the best documented instance of the deification of a man, and 2) he is the first known individual of genius. In a truly ironic fashion, the mortal man who designed the Great Step Pyramid as a tomb for the godlike Pharaoh Djoser was transformed into a god almost 2,000 years later and became the Egyptian god of healing. This paper provides an overview of the sage and vizier, Imhotep, the Great Step-Pyramid and its reflection of the belief systems in place at the time. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion. The paper includes a photograph of the pyramid.
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Imhotep
Step Pyramid of Djoser and Its Reflection of the Belief System
Personal Reasons for Selecting This Topic
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In sum, it is certainly not an exaggeration to describe the Step Pyramid as a one of the most remarkable architectural works produced by the ancient Egyptians. "That later generations regarded it with exceptional esteem is dear, not only from the veneration which they accorded to Imhotep, but also from hieratic graffiti on the passage walls of the southern building, which record the admiration felt by some Egyptians who visited the monument more than a thousand years after it was built" (Edwards 1955:63). In fact, no other known pyramid has been found with the same quantity of imposing buildings designed specifically to supply the needs of the king in his after-life. In their stead, the kings who ruled two dynasties later were satisfied with pictorial representations simply carved in relief."

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