Understanding Imhotep, the man of many titles

BY DAVE RANKIN

If there were ever a man that was touched by the gods, it would be this man that we are going to be introducing to you this week. His name is Imhotep. If you are a film buff, the name Imhotep should ring bells; here’s why. There were two films presented on the world stage that bore him as the chief antagonist. The first was the 1932 film, “The Mummy,” played by Boris Karloff. The remake took place in 1999 and it’s sequel in 2001 under the box office Mummy series played by Arnold Vosloo.

Both movies had given Imhotep the title of High Priest, a fact that was true. However, the gross misrepresentation of this man’s character in European media would have any lover of history foaming at the mouth. The truth is, this multi-genius of a man was far from the power-laden character that kept us on the edge of our seats in both films.

Depending on whose calendar is being used; Imhotep lived around 2980 BCE and was a faithful devotee to the throne of Kemet. The Pharaoh that sat upon the throne was named Zoser and this was during the Third Dynasty. Imhotep held many titles during his service. Some of these were: prime minister, physician, high priest and architect. The title of prime minister was called “Vizier,” and second in power to the pharaoh. Of all of the prime ministers in the history of Kemet/Egypt, Imhotep was the most respected.

There is a tale attributed to his genius that goes like this. The land of Kemet was in trouble because the flow of the Nile River’s was not sufficient. Kemet had suffered through seven years of famine and many people were starving to death. Zoser had called upon Imhotep for assistance. He questioned Imhotep, “Why is this happening to our country,” and “Where is the source of the Nile?” The pharaoh believed if he could locate the source, he could change the course of the sacred river, thus alleviating the famine that plagued the country. Imhotep asked for some time to consult the sacred scrolls to come up with a response.

When he reappeared, Imhotep gave Zoser an answer that changed the course of history. He told him the source of the Nile was in the highlands of Nubia, an area that covers parts of present day Sudan. Once this was received, the pharaoh sent a letter to the King of Nubia, Meter for advice on how to increase the flow of water. Meter advised Zoser to pay tribute to the God of the source of the Nile, Khnum to end the famine, and Zoser agreed to do so. It was Imhotep’s response that got the ball rolling to finally end the famine in Kemet, a feat that was not to be seen again during his lifetime.

In addition to his other duties, Imhotep held the title of Chief Physician to the Monarch. He was the first person to make a catalogue of illnesses and prescribed treatments. This and many other medical feats served as a basis for him to be deified as the God of Medicine. Known to the Greeks as Imouthes, he was also recognized as Aesculapius. Even Sir William Osler (founder of John Hopkins Hospital) gave this African a wonderful tribute by saying he was ”the first figure of a physician to stand out clearly from the mists of antiquity.”

Of all the accomplishments, the one that stands out the most is his role as architect of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, sometime spelt Sakkara. This was the first pyramid to be used as a pharaoh’s tomb. Standing approximately 200 ft., the six-stepped pyramid was one of the earliest monuments built out of cut stone. It also served as the proto-type for the pyramids of later dynasties.

Imhotep’s time on earth was legendary. His exponential impact continues to serve us many years after his passing. A far cry from the antagonist we all saw in The Mummy.