Imhotep (fl. 2667 - 2648 BC) (placeholder)

The original Father of Medicine and general all-round multi-genius.

Imhotep was chief architect to the Third Dynasty King Djoser (2687-2668 BC). He is the first master architect we know by name, and was in charge of building the original step pyramid at Saqqara. This pyramid also set a precedent by including a collection of temples, pavilions, corridors, chapels and halls within the enclosure walls.

A commoner by birth, Imhotemp’s intelligence and determination enabled him to rise through the ranks to become one of the king’s most trusted advisors. He eventually held the offices of High Priest of Heliopolis and Lector Priest, making him a very powerful and influential man whose name is given the great honour of being inscribed on the base of one of the statues of King Djoser.

Imhotep’s influence lived on well after his death. In the New Kingdom he was venerated as the patron of scribes, personifying wisdom and education. In the ‘Turin Papyri’ from this period he is also described as the son of Ptah, chief god of Memphis, in recognition of his role as a wise councillor.

During the Late Period his veneration extended to deification and he became a local god at Memphis where he was glorified for his skills as a physician and a healer. He is said to have extracted medicine from plants and treated diseases such as appendicitis, gout and arthritis. At Memphis he was served by his own priesthood and he was considered to be an intermediary between men and the gods. It was believed that he could help people solve difficulties in their daily lives and cure medical problems.

When the Greeks conquered Egypt they recognised in him attributes of their medicine god Asclepius, and continued to build temples to him. His reputation lasted until the Arab invasion of North Africa in the 7th century AD.

His tomb has never been found but he is thought to have served under four kings and lived until the end of the third dynasty (2649 BC).

Today his colourful and charismatic legend lives on in many fictional stories.