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Encyclopedia of African Religion

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Encyclopedia of African Religion

Molefi Kete Asante & Ama Mazama

Pub. date: 2009 | Online Pub. Date: January 26, 2009 | DOI: 10.4135/9781412964623 | Print ISBN: 9781412936361 | Online ISBN: 9781412964623| Publisher:SAGE Publications, Inc.

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Imhotep

Justin Gammage

Imhotep—also referred to as Imhotep, Son of Ptah—distinguished himself as an important individual in ancient Kernet. He served as the vizer of the Pharaoh of the III Dynasty, King Djoser. During this period, Imhotep was partly responsible for enhancing the architecture, the schools for sages, and the practice of medicine. He is among the significant figures of antiquity who have made monumental contributions toward African societies and have received special recognition. In some cases, these individuals have been revered as divinities and/or divine beings. This status is often occupied by those who have exemplified acts that were imperative to the community's well-being. His contributions and his transformation to a deity are discussed in this entry. As a vizer of King Djoser, Imhotep was responsible for serving as chief judge, with duties such as overseeing the King's records. Moreover, these responsibilities also included, but are not limited to, Judiciary, Treasurer, War ...

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