bavarikon4U
Description
Imhotep is a historical figure from the early Old Kingdom (2700-2170 BC). He is the architect of the King Djoser (3rd Dynasty, c. 2650 BC) step pyramid complex, the first great stone structure in Egyptian architecture. Later inscriptions explicitly refer to him as the "inventor of stone construction". His exceptional status during his lifetime can be seen in the mention of his name on a statue pedestal of King Djoser – a unique tribute to a non-royal person – but contemporary representations of Imhotep have not survived. In addition, the oldest wisdom teaching in Egyptian literature, which unfortunately has not survived, was attributed to him. Initially honoured as a historical figure from the past, Imhotep was also cultishly revered and accepted into the circle of the gods from the late period (c. 746-332 BC). He was considered the son of the creator god Ptah of Memphis. He iconographically adopted the close-fitting cap and the shape of the long beard from him. The statuettes usually show him seated, wearing a long robe, holding a papyrus unrolled on his lap. This form of representation alludes to his prudence and wisdom. Hundreds of comparable statuettes allow conclusions to be drawn about his great popularity, especially in the area around Memphis, his original place of work. He became the patron god of scribes, and as a famous figure of the past, he was also invoked by the general population as a god of healing. He was also considered the patron god of doctors and was equated with the Greek god of healing, Asclepius.