Serving His KingAs a vizer of King Djoser, Imhotep was responsi-
ble for serving as chief judge, with duties such as
overseeing the King’s records. Moreover, these
responsibilities also included, but are not limited
to, Judiciary, Treasurer, War (Army and Navy),
Agriculture Supervisor, and the General
Executive. The role of a vizer was highly regarded
as an honorable commission and was obtained by
those who were considered divine. Thus, those
who carried this responsibility would have Life,
Prosperity, Health attached to their names.
Imhotep was admired as being an exceptional
architect in Kemet’s rich history of architectural
design. Furthermore, Imhotep was said to be
responsible for the construction of one of the first
pyramids known to human history. He served as
the chief architect on the design of the Step-
Pyramid of Sakkarah. The construction of the
Step-Pyramid of Sakkarah not only indicates the
sophistication of the ancient Kemetic civilization,
but it also provides insight on the architectural
genius of Imhotep. This structure has lasted thou-
sands of years, illustrating the skill and intellect of
Imhotep. Imhotep designed the Step-Pyramid of
Sakkarah in honor of King Djoser, his royal master.
Imhotep was also involved with the construction
of the first temple of Edfu. Imhotep was attributed
with being the chief architect of this massive struc-
ture. The inscriptions in the temple identify
Imhotep as “the great priest Imhotep the son of
Ptah, who speaks or lectures.” The temple at Edfu
was developed in the predynastic period and was
one of the first structures of this time. As a result of
Imhotep’s architectural contributions to ancient
Kemet, he was inducted into an honorable commu-
nity of exceptional architects. Figures inducted into
the community were those who were chief archi-
tects. They were also pioneers, influencing other
architects in ancient Kemetic history.
Sage and AuthorFurthermore, Imhotep developed a reputation of
being a great sage. In fact, he is recognized as one of
the greatest of Kemetic sages. Imhotep’s intellectual
thought help to create a tradition of critical thought
and a high appreciation for wisdom. His thought
has unquestionably impacted the field of medicine
and architect in antiquity and contemporary times.
His work remains relevant, although often over-
looked, in Western medicine and architecture. His
philosophy, in the form of proverbs, was used as
instructions for life. These teachings were passed
down for generations.
Imhotep was highly noted for his poetic delivery,
resulting in being portrayed as a master of poetry.
Imhotep’s status as a great sage is illustrated in the
“Song of the Harper,” in which his name is recog-
nized along with Hordedef as being a distinguished
sage. The “Song of the Harper” provides lessons of
life and acknowledges Imhotep as a wise sage. It
was passed from generation to generation, induct-
ing Imhotep’s name in history as a wise man.
Imhotep took an interest in studying the heav-
ens and stars and their influence on human life.
Although there is no notable reference to his name
in these fields, his name was associated with
Thoth, the deity of astronomical observation. It is
apparent through his work that he believed in a
strong influence of the heavens on human phe-
nomena. The belief that the course of the stars
strongly affects human fate was commonly shared
by ancient Kemetic communities, thus the studies
of the movement of heavenly bodies, planets, and
other astrological phenomena were observed.Transition to Deity
Imhotep also distinguished himself as a highly
accomplished physician. He served as a medicine
man/healer of a period of the III Dynasty during
King Djoser’s reign. He was also King Djoser’s
court physician. Imhotep’s work in medicine
would eventually result in him being deified and
revered as a significant individual who had been as
a son of God. Imhotep was said to utilize magic
and medicine, as well as other methods, for heal-
ing the sick. Magic during ancient Kemet was
closely related to religion and was revered as being
a divine gift of God. He healed people with ill-
nesses of the body, spirit, and psyche. The Westcar
Papyrus makes references to Imhotep as an extra-
ordinary medicine man/healer. His reputation as a
healer earned him recognition, which would lead
to his deification as a deity of medicine.
The legacy of Imhotep endured for thousands
of years. More important, his legacy remainsImhotep 337