The Pharaohs Of Ancient EgyptThe pharaohs of ancient Egypt are as mysterious as the pyramids. Scholars today are still uncertain how many actually ruled Egypt. Pharaohs could be male or female. Egyptians accepted equally a king or queen as their ruler. In fact that last to rule Egypt was the famous Cleopatra.
Ancient Egyptian kings were also considered godly. The king was usually viewed as an incarnation of Horus, the falcon god. A new king’s ascent to the throne began with the proper burial of his predecessor, just like Horus performing the last rites of Osiris after he’s slain by his brother Seth. By acting as Horus in the burial ritual, a non-royal Egyptian could become a king. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were usually announced during the reign of the current king. Often it was the succession of the eldest son. Sometimes the heir co-ruled with his father until his death.
Ancient Egyptians believed the pharaoh was responsible for keeping order in the land and to protect them from foreign invasion. The pharaoh was also responsible for making offerings to the gods so that Egypt would be blessed with plenty of food. When a king failed, he was blamed and his power, and Egypt were weakened. Even today scholars are not sure how many pharaohs of ancient Egypt there were or how they were able to command the resources they did to build the pyramids. |
The pharaoh, or king, was the central figure of religion, administration, and society in ancient Egypt. The king determined the religion that was to be practised and all offerings were to him.
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