Hilary Misch Feb 23 2006

Mini Essay: Imhotep

Imhotep is one the worlds most famous ancients,however, his name is not his true identity, it is whathe accomplished that made him famous. He contributed in many positive ways towards ancient Egypt such asadvancements in architecture, being

worshipped by alland advancements in medicine

Imhotep was also the first architect as heconstructed The Step Pyramid. The Step Pyramid islocated in Saqquara where the first pharaoh’s tomb islocated. The Step Pyramid is approximately 200 feetin height and is made by limestone. Today, The Step

Pyramid is one of the most brilliant wonders of theworld. “The pyramid suggests a gigantic stairway forthe monarchs ascent to the sky, while the surrounding

building originally provided the temple for the royalcult, pavilions and shrines”1 . The entire setting isroughly 2000 feet long and 1000 feet in width. It is

enclosed by a massive stone wall. Other attributesinclude a colonnade wall, 40 foot tall columns andelegant courtyard with a number of shrines.

Imhotep was worshipped by all. Christians called himthe “Prince of Peace”. Even kings and queens bowed athis throne. He was also known as the “God of

Medicine” and a “Type of Christ”. He was called the“God of Medicine” because he cured many citizens usinghis medicine from plants. A “Type of Christ”

referred to his use of magic and medicine similar tothose used by Jesus Christ. Inscriptions praisingImhotep adorn the walls of Egyptian temples as the

emperors honoured him.

“Imhotep diagnosed and treated over 200 diseases, 15diseases of the abdomen, 11 of the bladder, 10 of therectum, 29 of the eyes, and 18 of the skin, hair,

nails and tongue”2 H extracted his medicine fromplants, but many say he used magic to cure people. Healso treated gout, arthritis, appendicitis, gallstones

and tuberculosis. Imhotep knew every vital organ,their function and how they connected to the bloodstream. He founded the school of medicine in Memphis,

which actually remained famous for the next 2thousands years. In addition, he also practiceddentistry.

While researching information on Imhotep, there werea few counter arguments found. Pharaohs such asAkhenaten and Alexander the Great also contributed to

ancient civilizations. Akhenaten was a renownedphilosopher and thinker. Alexander was a great leaderand visionary. These two men deserve honour as well

for their accomplishments. What makes Imhotep sodifferent? Imhotep was the first doctor, he performedsurgery, he cured many disease and he also built the

first pyramid. How many pharaohs did that? Anothercounter argument is that Imhotep was believed to be agreat doctor however, historians have no idea what he

actually contributed to medicine. The Step Pyramid isa living proof of his architectural skill.

In conclusion, he did accomplish many things such asadvancements in medicine, advancements inarchitecture, and he was worshipped by all. Furthermore, Imhotep’s legacy still continues as therewas a university named after him called the ”Imhotep

Academy”. The academy introduces under-representedstudents such as (women and native Americans). It is from grades 6-8 where they teach chemistry, math,earth and atmospheric science, physics, andstatistics. “In priestly wisdom, in magic, in the

formulation of wise proverbs; in medicine andarchitecture; this remarkable figure of Zosers reignleft so notable a reputation that his name was never

forgotten.”3