Ptahhotep

1) His Biography:

During the Fifth Dynasty era of Pharaoh Djedkare Isesi, Ptahhotep served as both the city’s mayor and first minister. The Maxims of Ptahhotep, an early work of Egyptian “wisdom literature” intended to teach young men appropriate behaviour, is attributed to him as its creator.

Akhethetep, one of his sons, was also a vizier. At Saqqara, he and his ancestors were buried. In North Saqqara, Ptahhotep’s tomb is housed in a mastaba (Mastaba D62). In the mastaba of his grandfather, Ptahhotep Tjefi, who flourished during the reign of Unas (Mastaba 64). Their tomb is renowned for its superb carvings. In addition to his duties as vizier, he also held a number of significant roles, including that of overseer of the treasury, of the scribes of the king’s documents, of the double granary, and of all royal works.

2) His Writings:

Many academics once held the view that Ptahhotep was the author of the first history book. The Maxims of Ptahhotep was the title of his book. As the Vizier, he covered a variety of subjects in his book that were based on the fundamental idea of Egyptian literature and wisdom, which was provided by the goddess Maat. She represented both cosmic order and social harmony because she was the primordial’s daughter. The purpose of Ptahhotep’s instruction was to provide advise to his people in order to preserve the so-called “social order.”

He gave insightful advice on a variety of subjects, including table manners, suitable behaviour for success in court circles, and helpful tips for the husband on how to maintain the beauty of his wife. Additional social advice from Ptahhotep includes how to avoid argumentative people and develop self-control.

The maxims known as The Maxims of Ptahhotep, whose opening lines assign authorship to the vizier Ptahhotep: Instruction of the Mayor of the City, the Vizier Ptahhotep, under the Majesty of King Isesi, are typically attributed to Ptahhotep’s grandson, Ptahhotep Tjefi. They are thought to have been put together in the late Old Kingdom and take the form of instructions and guidance from a father to his son. However, the earliest extant copies of them date to the late First Intermediate Period of the Middle Kingdom and are written in Middle Egyptian.

3) His Influence on Egyptian Civilization:

Ptahhotep wrote “The Maxims of Ptahhotep,” a treatise, primarily for young men from powerful families who would soon hold one of the highest civil offices. It is likely the oldest significant work of Egyptian wisdom literature that is currently available to modern academics. Ptahhotep’s proverbs emphasised humility, loyalty in carrying out one’s own responsibilities, and the capacity to remain silent when appropriate. They promoted obedience to a father and a superior as the best virtue. It amassed massive influence on the Egyptian civilisation.