Biography of Imhotep

Imhotep: First Architect and Physician
Imhotep is the first architect and physician known by name to written history. He is also considered to be the world's first known genius. As the Pharaoh Djosèr's Vizier, he designed the Pyramid of Djzosèr at Saqqara in Egypt around 2630-2611 BC, during the 3rd Dynasty. 

Imhotep also served as chancellor to the pharaoh and high priest of the sun god Ra at Heliopolis. He was said to be a son of Ptah. He was revered as a genius and was showered with titles. His full list is 'Chancellor of the King of Lower Egypt, First after the King of Upper Egypt, Administrator of the Great Palace, Hereditary nobleman, High Priest of Heliopolis, Builder, Sculptor and Maker of Vases in Chief'. Imhotep is credited as the founder of Egyptian medicine, and as author of the Edwin Smith Papyrus, detailing cures, ailments and anatomical observations. The Papyrus Edwin Smith was probably written around 1700 BC but may perhaps go back to texts written around 1000 years earlier.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.

> Return to Historical Figures Reference Section
> Return to Biographies Reference Category
> Return to NEWSdial.com