Died Circa 2600 B.C.E.
Vizier, High Priest, Astrologer, And Architect

Divinity. The Egyptian term for god, netjer, could be applied to a range of entities. In addition to gods properly speaking, the word could be applied to the king, certain animals, and the dead. Egyptians venerated their deceased ancestors as being divine. There are a few individuals in Egyptian history whose divinity grew to exceed the bounds of their own families, and who eventually came to have a place in the pantheon of Egyptian gods. One such individual was Imhotep.

Offices. Imhotep served as a vizier and architect under King Djoser of Dynasty 3 (circa 2675-2625 B.C.E.). He also held the offices of high priest of Re at Heliopolis and the chief of sculptors and makers of stone vessels. He is credited with designing the king's step pyramid complex at Saqqara, and therefore with inventing...