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Who are the pharaohs

Who are the Pharaohs, where did they live, how long did they live?

By AbdelhadiPublished 3 years ago 2 min read
Who are the pharaohs
Photo by AXP Photography on Unsplash

The pharaohs were the ancient Egyptian kings who ruled over Egypt for thousands of years. They were considered both the political and religious leaders of the civilization. The term "pharaoh" comes from the Egyptian word "per-aa," which means "great house" or "palace."

The pharaohs held immense power and were believed to be the intermediaries between the gods and the people. They were considered divine beings and were often depicted with symbols of royalty and divinity, such as the double crown, the cobra headdress (uraeus), and the false beard. Pharaohs were responsible for maintaining order, leading military campaigns, overseeing religious ceremonies, and ensuring the prosperity of Egypt.

There were numerous pharaohs throughout ancient Egyptian history, spanning different dynasties and periods. Some of the most famous pharaohs include:

Narmer (also known as Menes) - Considered the first pharaoh who unified Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BCE.

Khufu (Cheops) - Known for building the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Hatshepsut - The first female pharaoh who reigned during the 18th dynasty and promoted trade and prosperity.

Akhenaten - Known for his religious revolution, attempting to replace the traditional Egyptian pantheon with the worship of a single deity, the sun disk Aten.

Tutankhamun - A well-known pharaoh whose tomb was discovered almost intact in the Valley of the Kings, providing significant insights into ancient Egyptian culture and artifacts.

Ramses II - One of the most powerful and influential pharaohs, known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects.

These are just a few examples, and there were many other pharaohs who left their mark on Egyptian history. The reign of the pharaohs ended with the conquest of Egypt by the Roman Empire in 30 BCE.

- Where did they live?

The pharaohs of ancient Egypt lived in various locations throughout their reigns, depending on the time period and the specific pharaoh. The primary residence of the pharaoh was the capital city of Egypt, which changed over time as different dynasties and rulers came to power.

Some of the notable capital cities where the pharaohs resided include:

Memphis: Located near modern-day Cairo, Memphis served as the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom (approximately 2686-2181 BCE). Many early pharaohs, including Khufu (Cheops) and Ramses II, had their palaces and royal complexes in this city.

Thebes: Also known as Waset or Luxor, Thebes was the capital during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550-1070 BCE). It was a significant religious and political center, housing the famous temples of Karnak and Luxor. Prominent pharaohs like Hatshepsut and Tutankhamun had their palaces and tombs in Thebes.

Amarna: Built by the pharaoh Akhenaten, Amarna served as the capital for a brief period during the 18th dynasty (approximately 1353-1336 BCE). Akhenaten moved the capital from Thebes and established a new city dedicated to the worship of the sun disk Aten.

Alexandria: Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria became a major center of Hellenistic culture and trade. Although not originally an Egyptian capital, it later became the royal residence for Ptolemaic pharaohs after the conquest of Egypt by Alexander. The famous Cleopatra VII was one of the last pharaohs to reside in Alexandria.

It's important to note that while the pharaohs resided in these capital cities, they also traveled throughout Egypt to assert their authority, oversee construction projects, and participate in religious ceremonies in different temples across the country. Additionally, they built grand tombs, such as the pyramids in Giza and the Valley of the Kings, where they were buried after death..................

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