Imhotep: Builder of the First Pyramid of Egypt

12 days ago
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Imhotep lived during the 3rd millennium BC, and served the 3rd Dynasty of Egypt as vizier. He is famous for designing the burial complex of the Pharoah Djoser, which is the first Egyptian pyramid and the first large scale monumental structure to be built with stone, beginning the trend of building monumental structures out of stone (in Egypt). He was an engineer, architect, sculptor, astronomer, doctor, and he also wrote volumes of literature, both scientific and wisdom literature. Unfortunately, most of what he wrote has been lost over time, which led archaeologists to suppose he was strictly a mythological character, until a period attestation was found listing all his titles. It is uncertain when exactly he lived, where he came from, and how long he served as vizier. He began his service under Djoser, and died during the reign of Pharoah Huni, after which the 3rd dynasty came to an end. Yes, the character in the 2nd Mummy Franchise was named after him, and even modeled after him somewhat, but the historicity of those movies is way off (as it is with most things Hollywood does).

For this video I presented the known facts first, and saved my speculation for the end. I realize that not everyone will agree with my personal theories, and that’s fine, but I always separate my theories and opinions from the known facts, and try to operate within margins of error. All feedback is welcome.

Sources:
https://www.ancientpages.com/2016/03/07/imhotep-ancient-genius-and-architect-of-the-sakkara-pyramid/

https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/imhotep.html

https://www.thoughtco.com/imhotep-4772346

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Imhotep (mentions possible connection to Joseph)

https://www.dailyhistory.org/Why_Was_Imhotep_the_Ancient_World's_Greatest_Scientist

https://www.ancientpages.com/2021/06/08/where-is-the-tomb-of-imhotep-pharaoh-djosers-magician-hidden/#google_vignette

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Imhotep

The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus (downloadable PDF) by University of Chicago: https://isac.uchicago.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/shared/docs/oip3.pdf

Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus (Internet Archive) : https://web.archive.org/web/20101118082325/http://www.neurosurgery.org/cybermuseum/pre20th/epapyrus.html

https://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/imhotep.htm

https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/imhotep.html

https://afrinik.com/how-the-sage-imhotep-became-a-god-in-ancient-egypt/ - possible connection to Joseph mentioned

https://redhistoria.com/breve-biografia-de-imhotep-quien-fue-y-que-hizo/

https://www.worldhistory.org/Djoser/

https://www.almendron.com/artehistoria/arte/culturas/egyptian-art-in-age-of-the-pyramids/the-step-pyramid-precint-of-king-djoser/

The Famine Stele (translation) - https://web.archive.org/web/20111123033346/https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/prec/www/course/egypt/274RH/Texts/The%20Famine%20Stela.htm

Haaretz Article - https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2015-11-11/ty-article/imhotep-and-joseph-were-not-the-same/0000017f-f831-d2d5-a9ff-f8bd2bd10000

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