Project Management as Perceived from Ancient Egyptian Projects

Abstract

Pyramid building was a milestone in the history of man because it was his first true application of large-scale technology. Like all later technological efforts, down to our day, pyramid construction relied on tools and methods which were already well-known, but the potentialities of those had not yet been recognized. The keys to the problem of pyramid design and construction were manpower and superior management. The first was provided by a peaceful and united country, while for the second a unique human genius was required. His name, which the Egyptians cherished and venerated for more than 3000 years, was IMHOTEP — the royal architect who designed and constructed for King Zoser the first Great Stone Structure built by man. Imhotep must have had foremost in his mind the problem of large scale organization. This article is supposed to throw some light into this occult period of project management history since 5000 years.