In ancient Egypt, a Pharaoh was the title of the monarch of the country. Pharaohs ruled over ancient Egypt from around 3,000 BCE and until the country’s conquest by the Roman Empire in 30 BCE.
Pharaohs were viewed as living gods. People believed that Pharaoh had interdimensional powers, the ability to control the elements, to influence the well-being of their people, and were even able to travel to the afterlife. As such, they were indelibly respected and honored by the people.
Due to ancient Egyptian culture being based around religion, Pharaoh had a strong alliance with the gods. Pharaohs were also believed to be reincarnations of the great god, Horus. Pharaohs believed that by performing certain religious rituals, they could be reunited with the gods and enjoy a kind of afterlife. This was part of the reason why Pharaohs were obeyed in ancient Egypt.
Since Pharaoh held such a powerful influence over the people, Pharaohs had the utmost authority in Egypt. They were able to dictate laws, taxes, wars, and other matters of state. Pharaoh also had the power to choose whom they wished to take on as their consorts.
These rulers also held tremendous economic power. Pharaohs often owned large estates, farms, and herds. They were also the owners of the majority of the country’s gold reserves, making them extremely wealthy. Pharaohs used their wealth to maintain their luxurious lifestyle and to spread their influence to other countries, from Syria to Sudan.
Pharaohs also had a role in religious ceremonies. Pharaohs were often priests and some of them even had their own temples. In these marvellous temples, Pharaohs and their families offered offerings to their gods and spoked with other priests to ensure the well-being of their empire.
The power of the Pharaohs was so great that it went beyond death. After a Pharaoh had passed, their reign was thought to have been so meaningful that it was needed to construct grand tombs in their honour. The most notable of these tombs was the Great Pyramid of Giza, built to give Pharaoh Khufu a lasting legacy.
Political and Military Leadership
The Pharaoh assumed full control of the political activity within ancient Egypt. As the supreme leader, he would appoint and dismiss advisers, governors, commanders, soldiers, judges, and priests. Besides those duties, Pharaoh represented the Egyptian empire in foreign affairs, international treaties, and military actions.
Within the society, the Pharaoh had several roles to fill. Besides assuming a political role, Pharaoh also had several spiritual functions to fulfil. He held the high offices of both Chief Priest and High Priest of Amun-Ra. Thus, Pharaoh was the one responsible for the spiritual and religious wellbeing of the society.
In terms of martial duties, Pharaoh was responsible for the direction and running of the Egyptian army. As such, Pharaohs led their troops into battle, transforming them into some of the most fearsome armies of the ancient world. Many of them also held military titles such as ‘Lord of the Two Lands’ and ‘Protector of Egypt’.
The Pharaohs’ power was limited only by their councils. These councils were formed by high priests and other members of the higher echelons of ancient Egyptian society. The council members provided advice to the Pharaoh, resulting in decisions that could potentially shape the destiny of Egypt.
History remembers the Pharaohs’ courage and boldness in battle. During ancient battles, it was not uncommon for Pharaoh to throw himself into the midst of his troops to lead them. With their courage and confidence, Pharaohs were able to claim victory against many of their adversaries.
Law Makers for Ancient Egypt
The Pharaohs were the supreme law-makers of ancient Egypt. They had the authority to arrange legal codes and standards, and outlined the existing moral and ethical norms of the society. Pharaohs were also the ones responsible for writing the Book of the Dead, containing their own personal rules and instructions.
Additionally, Pharaohs had the power to sentence people guilty of any crime. Therefore, Pharaohs had the ultimate authority over matters of justice. As such, Pharaohs had the ability to grant pardons to those who were sentenced for a crime, in order to show mercy and compassion to the people.
Pharaohs usually assigned governors and administrators to oversee the running of government, local villages, and cities. Pharaohs had control of the civil service, which was made up of many levels of official representatives in provincial and village centers.
Pharaohs then also had the power to appoint judges and create courts of justice. Judges were usually appointed from nobles or members of the royal family, as they were deemed to be wise and trust-worthy. Pharaohs were ultimately responsible for maintaining law and order in ancient Egypt.
Architectural Achievements
Pharaohs were also responsible for the creation of some of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Ancient Egyptian culture was greatly influenced by the building projects of many Pharaohs, from Obelisks to Temples to Pyramids.
The Great Pyramids of Giza are perhaps the greatest example of ancient Egyptian architecture, which, to this day, remain one of the wonders of the world. Pharaoh Khufu designed the necropolis as both a royal burial ground and a symbol of his power and authority.
Other significant architectural accomplishments of the Pharaohs included the Ramesseum, the Luxor Temple, and Abu Simbel. These buildings were considered to be symbols of power, making Pharaohs even more immortal and revered.
The incredible architectural feats that Pharaohs left behind are still admired and studied by archeologists and architects all over the world. The accomplishments of Pharaohs can also be seen in modern Egypt, where many monuments, temples, and pyramids have been dedicated in their honour.
Religious Duties
Religion played a crucial role in the lives of Pharaohs. As the High Priest of Amun-Ra, Pharaohs were responsible for the religious ceremonies conducted in ancient Egypt. Pharaohs also acted as the living representation of gods on Earth, believed to have divine powers that enabled them to act on behalf of the gods.
Pharaohs often performed religious rituals and ceremonies. These included processions, festivals, and religious sacrifices. Pharaohs were also responsible for the communication with other gods, carying out religious rituals and asking them for favours.
Though ancient Egyptians were polytheistic, the Pharaoh was seen as the supreme representation of the god Amun-Ra. This made Pharaohs almost untouchable and instilled a sense of power and authority in ancient Egypt.
Furthermore, Pharaohs were also believed to be reincarnations of the great god Horus, descendent of Osiris, father of Amun-Ra. Pharaohs held the power to look into the afterlife and were believed to have the ability to shape the destiny of the nation in accordance with the gods.
Mortuary Rites and Burial Sites
The tombs of Pharaohs, known as Mastabas, are a testament to their power and importance in ancient Egypt. Nearly all Pharaohs were buried in imposing pyramids with majestic sculptures and artworks that were made to stand as everlasting symbols of power and glory. Mastabas were often carved out of solid rocks or constructed from stone blocks and were consecrated into the gods.
Pharaohs also held great mortuary ceremonies to commemorate their dead. This included the Preparation of the Body ceremony in which Pharaoh would be mummified and placed in the tomb. Pharaohs were then often accompanied by wealth, possessions, and their personal guardians in the afterlife, ensuring their comfortable stay in the beyond.
The Pharaohs’ tombs and monuments are an important part of ancient history. They stand as symbols of the power and influence of one of the oldest cultures in the world. They act as a reminder of the everlasting influence of Pharaohs and are a symbol of respect and appreciation for the immense work of these renowned rulers.
