Definition: Can an ancient Egyptian be a 'Renaissance Man'? The Old Kingdom architect, vizier, wizard, doctor, and scribe named Imhotep is a most maligned and mysterious figure of Egypt's Old Kingdom, and one of the few non-royal people known from the period. Credited (perhaps falsely?) with the design of the Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, Imhotep was the focus of a personality cult during the New Kingdom, some 2,000 years later.
Of course, Imhotep's name is also among the best known Egyptians to modern society (right up there with Tutankhamun and Ramses), mainly because Imhotep is the name the film writers used for the leading mummy in most of the Mummy movies, beginning in the 1930s.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Of course, Imhotep's name is also among the best known Egyptians to modern society (right up there with Tutankhamun and Ramses), mainly because Imhotep is the name the film writers used for the leading mummy in most of the Mummy movies, beginning in the 1930s.
Sources
Rosalie F. Baker and Charles Baker III. 2001. Ancient Egyptians: People of the Pyramids. Oxford University Press, London.This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Alternate Spellings: Imouthes (Greek)
