By: Ali Abu-Dashish
CAIRO, Jan. 28 (SEE)- Ancient Egypt’s civilization is repleted with genuine figures who attained unprecedented scientific degrees. Various timeworn medicinal papyruses such as those of “Edwin Smith,” “Hirst” and “Ebers” showcased at international museums prove so.
One of those foremost inpiduals who left unique fingerprints in several fields is King Djoser’s Chief Chancellor Imhotep, who was multitalented and a polymath with knowledge insights just like Aristotle.
This genius’s hieroglyphic name translates to “The one who comes in Peace.” He was born on the 16th of Ipip, the third Egyptian month in the “Shemu” season of low water- to the then renowned “Ka-Nefr” and his wife “Kherdo-Ankh.”
Imhotep’s residency was in one of Giza’s suburbs “Ankh-Tawy” which means “Life of the Two Lands.”
Imhotep’s Various activities and duties
His most notable positions included being a vizier, architect and the high priest of those who recite rites. He was also worldly-wise, a writer, an astronomer, a doctor, a wizard, a chief judge, a supervisor of the king’s records, holder of royal seals, chief of the king’s duties, and the supervisor of almost everything in the nation.
Imhotep’s ministerial role amid famine
During the time of Imhotep, a very important event occurred, known as the "lean years." This story describes the severe famine that hit Egypt due to the Nile's failure for seven consecutive years. Consequently, the drought and lack of irrigation of the land resulted in a famine.
That’s why King Djoser asked Imhotep to guide him to the place where the Nile is born and the God who controls it. Imhotep sent him to that place in Nubia.
The king went to the temple of the god "Khenum" and offered him the sacrifices and prayers and catered to him with offerings. Then "Khenum" responded to the king and appeared to him in the dream, promising that the Nile would rise and never fall again.
"The Nile will spread its waters and cover all the land until satisfaction, and the famine will end and the silos will no longer be free,” Khenoum told Djoser.
Imhotep the Architect
Imhotep was in charge of all the king's works for Upper and Lower Egypt and inherited his experience from his father "Ka Nefr.”
The talented architect designed the oldest stone building in history, the pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara- which denotes his skill in construction and engineering.
This pyramid was a transitional step between the “Mastaba” tombs which were used by the former kings and the full pyramid, which is found in the time of the fourth family, such as those of "Khufu, Khafra and Mencawra"
The pyramid shows a high level of civilization, and that there is a wealth in the King's treasury, as well as the stability of the country's conditions thanks to that minister and skilled engineer.
The wise writer
He was renowned as one of the most prestigious ancient Egyptian sapients, and his reputation impressed his compatriots that he lived in minds as a national heritage for centuries.
As for his literary activity, he had written books in medicine and engineering that existed up until the dawn of the Christian era.
He also composed songs performed by a chanter to relief funerary ceremonies guests and reminded them that life is short.
One of the best lines by Imhotep:
"Bodies go and others come, so is the case since the time of the ancestors, since the time of the ancient gods, who settle in their pyramids, nobles and greats who were deported and buried in their graves .. put on Flax fluffy and enjoy with the real pleasure granted by the gods.”
Imhotep the astronomer
He was known for his association with the god of science and knowledge “Thoth,” which is the current motto of Cairo University.
Thoth was known for his deep astronomical knowledge, which led to defining the date of the flood, observation of the stars, the sun and the moon, thus recognizing the length of the star year.
Through observing stars, Egyptians were able to specify years, yet they had to add a quarter of a day and hence came the Gregorian calendar that the world is following to date.
The wizard doctor
Magic and medicine were closely linked in the time of pharaohs, that some believed that magic is the father of medicine.
To pharaohs, the act of magic extends to all matters of daily life as it meets all the needs of the deceased, magic can remove the impact of evil.
Although ancient Egyptian sources reported that Imhotep was a remarkable magician, and medicine was his greatest passion. His skill and ingenuity nominated him to be the king's physician. After the death of Imhotep, pharaohs deified him as the god of medicine.
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