Imhotep (sometimes spelled
Immutef,
Im-hotep, or
Ii-em-Hotep, Egyptian
ii-m-ḥtp
*jā-im-ḥatāp) (2667 BC - 2648 BC) is
the first
architect and
physician known by name in written history. He is also possibly
the source and
creator of the
Papyrus
Scroll being its oldest known bearer. As one of the officials of the
Pharaoh
Djosèr
he designed the
Pyramid of Djzosèr (
Step
Pyramid) at
Saqqara
in
Egypt around
2630-
2611
BC, during the
3rd Dynasty. He may also have been responsible for the first known
use of
columns in
architecture. The Egyptians also credited him with the discovery of
many inventions. Imhotep was also a
poet and
philosopher.
He urged contentment and preached cheerfulness. His proverbs contained a
"philosophy of life." He coined the saying "Eat, drink and be merry for
tomorrow we shall die." His name means "the one who comes in peace."