The Pharaoh: Ruler of Ancient Egypt
The Pharaoh was the supreme ruler of Ancient Egypt, a civilization that flourished along the Nile River for thousands of years. The word “Pharaoh” comes from the ancient Egyptian word “Per-aa,” meaning “great house.” Pharaohs were considered to be divine beings, descendants of the gods and the mediators between the gods and the people. They held immense power, both politically and religiously, and their rule was absolute.
The first dynasty of Pharaohs began around 3100 BC and lasted until the end of the New Kingdom period in 1069 BC. Over the course of ancient Egyptian history, there were over 200 Pharaohs who ruled the land. Many of them left a lasting impact on the history and culture of Egypt, building grand pyramids, temples, and other monuments that still stand to this day.
One of the most famous Pharaohs was Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut. He came to the throne at a young age and ruled for only a short time before his death at the age of 19. Despite his short reign, King Tut made a lasting impact on history due to the discovery of his tomb in 1922. The tomb was filled with treasures, including a solid gold mask, and provided insight into the daily life and customs of ancient Egypt.
Another well-known Pharaoh was Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt for over 20 years during the 18th dynasty. Hatshepsut was a powerful and ambitious queen who ruled as a regent for her young nephew before declaring herself Pharaoh. Despite facing opposition from some members of the court, she proved to be a capable ruler and oversaw many important building projects, including the construction of the temple of Deir el-Bahri.
Pharaohs were not just rulers but also considered to be gods on earth. They were worshipped as the intermediary between the gods and the people, and their rule was seen as divinely ordained. The Pharaohs were believed to have the power to perform miracles and control the forces of nature. They were also seen as the protectors of Ma’at, the ancient Egyptian concept of balance and order.
The Pharaohs had absolute power and were responsible for the administration of the country, the maintenance of law and order, and the protection of the people. They also held religious power, and their rule was believed to be divinely sanctioned. Pharaohs were considered to be the link between the gods and the people, and they were responsible for ensuring the continuity of the world through their rule.
In addition to their political and religious duties, Pharaohs were also responsible for commissioning great works of art, architecture, and engineering. They built magnificent pyramids, temples, and palaces that still stand to this day, and their legacy is evident in the many monuments and artefacts that have survived for thousands of years.
The last of the Pharaohs was Cleopatra VII, who ruled Egypt from 51 to 30 BC. Cleopatra was the last of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a line of Greek rulers who ruled Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great. She was a powerful and charismatic leader who formed alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Her reign was marked by political intrigue and conflict, and she eventually lost her kingdom to the Roman Empire.
In conclusion, the Pharaohs were the supreme rulers of ancient Egypt, held in high esteem as divine beings and intermediaries between the gods and the people. Their rule was absolute and their power was both political and religious. They commissioned great works of art, architecture, and engineering, and their legacy is evident in the many monuments and artefacts that have survived to this day. The Pharaohs played a vital role in shaping the history and culture of Egypt.
