Imhotep

The first architect known by name to written history, Imhotep designed the mortuary precinct and stepped pyramid of Zoser (or Djoser) at Saqqara? in Egypt around 2630-2611 B.C. (3rd Dynasty). Imhotep also served as chancellor to the pharaoh and high priest of the sun god Re (or Ra?) at Heliopolis?.

At the funerary complex the stepped pyramid is a stack of boxy shapes with battered or sloped sides, each level smaller than one below it, rising to a level of about 200 feet. This is the first monumental stone building in the world.

He was revered as a genius and was showered with titles. His full list is 'Chancellor of the King of Lower Egypt, First after the King of Upper Egypt, Administrator of the Great Palace, Hereditary nobleman, High Priest of Heliopolis, Builder, Sculptor and Maker of Vases in Chief'. Two thousand years after his death his status was raised to that of a god. Imhotep became the god of medicine and healing. He was linked to Asclepius? (Aesculapius??) by the Greeks. In artwork he is linked with other gods (a common practice in Ancient Egypt) like Hathor?, Maat?, Amenhetep-san-of-Hapu? (another deified architect).