The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
For an extended period, the pharaohs ruled over ancient Egypt, with several of them managing to establish some of the greatest civilizations in the ancient world. The importance of the pharaohs was so significant that their people often compared them to Egyptian deities, such as Horus and Osiris.
The construction of a tomb for the pharaoh was considered a critical task, as it was believed that the pharaohs would be reborn in the afterlife. The pyramids stand as the most monumental evidence of these tombs, many of which still exist to this day.
Notable Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
Among the most renowned pharaohs who played vital roles in the lives of their subjects are:
Hatshepsut (1507 BC – 1458 BC)
Hatshepsut was one of the most successful female pharaohs in ancient Egypt. She was the fifth ruler of the Eighteenth Dynasty and inherited the throne from her royal family. Her reign lasted nearly 21 years, during which she achieved significant accomplishments, including the construction of roads to facilitate trade with foreign nations. Her period of rule was marked by considerable peace and stability.
Thutmose III (1481 BC – 1425 BC)
As a successor of the Eighteenth Dynasty, Thutmose III was the son of Thutmose II. Although he was the rightful heir after his father’s passing, he was just two years old at the time, necessitating that his stepmother Hatshepsut assume the throne. Eventually, he took over and reigned for approximately 54 years, establishing himself as a formidable warrior and playing a crucial role in the advancement of Egyptian civilization.
Thutmose III achieved numerous military successes and endeavored to erect various structures across the empire, the most notable being the Karnak Temple. His mummy was discovered in the Valley of the Kings, where he was interred alongside other pharaohs from the same dynasty.
Ramses II (1279 BC – 1213 BC)
Ramses II, a prominent pharaoh from the Nineteenth Dynasty, is often recognized for his military prowess and for declaring himself a god. His reign lasted approximately 67 years, during which he fathered around 96 children and left an extensive architectural legacy in Egypt, leading to financial strains on the nation’s treasury.
Amenhotep III (1391 BC – 1353 BC)
Amenhotep III, the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, is remembered for his efforts to create a robust and resilient economy for the country. Trade relations flourished during his reign, and both art and architecture experienced remarkable growth, resulting in numerous temples and statues that still stand today.
Tutankhamun (1341 BC – 1323 BC)
Tutankhamun, one of the most famous pharaohs, ascended to the throne at the tender age of nine or ten. Though his reign was short-lived, he implemented significant religious reforms. He gained immense fame after the discovery of his nearly intact burial tomb, where his mummy remained remarkably preserved.
Akhenaten (1380 BC – 1334 BC)
Known as Amenhotep IV, Akhenaten was a pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty who sought to unify worship around a single deity, Aten. However, his revolutionary ideas were not well received by the populace, and following his death, his statues were destroyed as people reverted to their traditional religious practices.
Cheops (2589 BC – 2566 BC)
Cheops, a pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, is best known for the construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza, located near Cairo. This remarkable structure is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was the tallest man-made building of its time. Cheops believed that the pyramid served as a stairway to heaven, facilitating his journey to the afterlife.