Pharaoh- This is the highest position in the hierarchy of ancient Egyptian society. The very concept of “pharaoh” was not an official title and was used to avoid naming the name and title of the king. This euphemism first appeared in the New Kingdom. Translated from the ancient Egyptian language, this concept means “great house,” which meant the palace of the king. Officially, the title of the pharaohs reflected their ownership of “both lands,” that is, both Upper and Lower Egypt. In different eras, the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt had different statuses, degrees of concentration of power and influence in the state.
History of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
Highest influence pharaohs of egypt had during the Old Kingdom after Upper and Lower Egypt were united into a single state. This period is characterized by a decrease in the despoticism and aggressiveness of the Egyptian monarchy, along with the development of bureaucracy and the transition of most sectors of the state economy under the direct control of the king. The power of the pharaohs during this period rapidly became sacralized. The pharaoh was considered one in earthly and divine forms, and was thus a mediator between the world of people and the gods. Before the Fourth Dynasty, the pharaohs were considered the earthly incarnation of the god Horus, while after death they were considered to be transformed into Osiris. Later, the pharaohs began to be considered the sons of the sun god Ra.
The semi-divine essence of the pharaohs in the minds of the Egyptians imposed on them the obligation to maintain world order (Maat) and in every possible way fight chaos and injustice (Isfet). Therefore, the pharaoh was endowed with the ability to communicate directly with the gods through the construction of temples and sanctuaries and abundant sacrifices. In the Old Kingdom, the authority of the pharaohs was so great that mourning after their death lasted in the country for ninety days, and the death of the king was perceived as the greatest grief, a violation of the order and foundations of the universe. The accession of a new legitimate heir was understood as the greatest benefit for the country and the restoration of a shaky position.
The maximum power of the pharaohs and their authority in Egyptian society lasted throughout the Old Kingdom. After his fall and during the First Transition Period, power in the country largely passed into the hands of the priests and nobility, which is why the role of the pharaohs began to decline and no longer reached the same importance as under the Old Kingdom. Subsequently, traditions of individualism began to develop in the society of Ancient Egypt, which affected many areas of life, including the perception of the figure of the pharaoh. The moral and ideological dependence of the country's inhabitants on the ruler was no longer so great, and the pharaohs began to maintain their authority mainly through aggressive campaigns in other countries.
However, the New Kingdom, characterized by a large number of conquests and a major expansion of the state's possessions, disintegrated as a result of the ever-increasing influence of temples, priests and rulers of individual provinces, as a result of which the power of the pharaohs completely ceased to enjoy the same authority as before. They ceased to seriously influence the lives of their subjects and neighboring states, and their role as intermediaries between the world of people and the world of gods was completely leveled. After Egypt was conquered by the Persians, the Persian kings were officially considered pharaohs, after them Alexander the Great took this title, and after his death - the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Titles of the pharaohs of Egypt
As already noted, “pharaoh” was not the official title of the rulers of Ancient Egypt. In fact, they were called "belonging to the Reed and the Bee" or "lords of both lands", reflecting in these titles their power over both parts of Egypt - Upper and Lower.
Official naming of pharaoh, from the time of the Middle Kingdom until the beginning of Roman rule, necessarily consisted of five names. The first of them, the earliest in time, was associated with the god Horus and reflected the people’s belief that the pharaoh was their earthly incarnation. The second name was associated with two goddesses - Nekhbet and Wadjet - who were considered the patroness of Upper and Lower Egypt, respectively. This name symbolized the power of the pharaoh over them and embodied the power of the monarchy. The third name is golden. Its meaning has not been clarified, and the two main versions associate it either with the sun (that is, the pharaoh was compared to the sun) or with gold, symbolizing eternity. The fourth name of the pharaoh is the throne name. It was given to him during his coronation. Finally, the fifth name of the Egyptian ruler is personal. The future king received it at birth.
Pharaohs of the early dynasties are often known by their Horus name, since this part of the title appeared earlier than the others. The rulers of later dynasties belonging to the Middle and New Kingdoms are most often known by their personal names and are also mentioned in scientific works.
Attributes of the pharaohs
Pharaohs were forbidden to appear in front of their subjects without a headdress, so one of their attributes was necessarily a crown. Most often it was a combination of the red crown of the ruler of Upper Egypt and the white crown of the ruler of Lower Egypt and was called "pschent"(Fig. 1). Both of these crowns also symbolized the patron goddesses of both parts of the country, who were often depicted on the king’s single crown. In addition to the single crown, the pharaohs sometimes wore a blue crown for military campaigns and a gold one for various religious rites.
Rice. 1 - Pschent
Pharaohs also wore a scarf on their heads. This headdress was worn by all residents of the country, but depending on the class it had various colors. Pharaohs wore gold scarves with blue stripes.
Another attribute of the pharaoh was a short staff with a hook on the top. This is one of the most ancient attributes of royal power, known since the times of Predynastic Egypt and, according to most researchers, descended from a shepherd's staff. The pharaohs also wore a whip, the Uas scepter, which had a forked lower end and a pommel in the form of a dog or jackal's head, and a cross with a loop - ankh(Fig. 2), symbolizing eternal life.
Rice. 2 - Ankh
Also, one of the attributes of the pharaohs was a false beard. It was always made artificially and worn to emphasize the power and masculine strength of the ruler. Female pharaohs, such as Hatshepsut, also wore beards. Often they had to wear them in order to pretend to be a man in front of their subjects.
The most famous pharaohs of Egypt
The ancestor of a united Egypt is considered Pharaoh Menes, who, being the king of Upper Egypt, subjugated Lower Egypt and was the first to wear a double red and white crown. Despite the many mentions of Menes in the texts of Egyptian priests and Greek and Roman historians, he may also be a mythological figure.
The Golden Age of Ancient Egypt is considered to be the reign of Pharaoh Djoser, second representative of the Third Dynasty. It was under him that the construction of pyramids - the tombs of the pharaohs - began. Djoser also conducted many military campaigns, subjugated the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt and drew the southern border of the state along the first Nile cataract.
Egypt reached significant prosperity under Queen Hatshepsut. She equipped a trade expedition to Punt, was engaged in architecture, and also carried out conquest activities.
Pharaoh Akhenaten became famous as a religious reformer. He tried to abolish the cult of the old gods, replacing it with the cult of the pharaoh himself, and moved the capital of the country to new town and stopped the construction of temples. Akhenaten's reforms were not popular, so after his death they were largely canceled, and the name of the reformer pharaoh was subjected to oblivion.
The last great pharaoh of Egypt was Ramesses II, who was able to restore his former power for some time as a result of many military campaigns. However, after his death, Egypt finally plunged into the abyss of civil strife, uprisings and wars, which led to its collapse and conquest.
According to Plato's records, the ancient Egyptian priests indicated that the sacred line of pharaohs originated from Atlantis.
The first Egyptian pharaohs in the Predynastic (end of the 5th millennium - ca. 3100 BC) and Early Dynastic period (3120 to 2649 BC) history of Ancient Egypt, up to the 4th dynasty, the pharaohs are known only under the only Choir name, since the pharaoh was considered an earthly incarnation heavenly god Horus-Horus, whose symbol was the falcon. Horus is the god of the sky, royalty and sun. Horus from Vedic: Harshu - hṛṣu – Agni, fire; Sun;. According to early Egyptian myths The falcon brought soma from the sky - the sacred drink of the gods.
At the end of the Old Kingdom, the name of the pharaoh is associated with the myth of the god Osiris. The word pharaoh Pharaoh; Greek Φαραώ; glory Perun, from "Paro" - "descendant of the Sun" .)
The pharaohs of Ancient Egypt traced their lineage back to the gods; incest was considered an acceptable measure to preserve the sanctity of the royal family. Tutankhamun's pedigree is quite complex; there were incestuous marriages in his family.
Tutankhamun was born in 1341 BC and died in 1323 BC. at the age of 19 years.
His father was Amenhotep IV, who proclaimed monotheism in Egypt, the only god was the Sun, and himself his son, and took the name Akhenaten - “son of the Sun” (reign: 1351 and 1334 BC).
As shown by genetic analysis of the remains of Tutankhamun's mummy (mummy KV35YL), his mother was Akhenaten's sister. Tutankhamun was born a weak child, as his parents were brother and sister.
Tutankhamun's stepmother was
white-skinned
In 1348 BC Nefertiti and Akhenaten had a daughter Ankhesenamun- half-sister of Tutankhamun. At the age of ten, Tutankhamun married her, his half-sister.
Name Tutankhamun (Tutenkh-, -amen, -amon), in Egyptian: twt-nḫ-ı͗mn; belonged to the 18th dynasty of Egyptian kings, reigning from 1333 BC. -. 1324 BC This period of Egyptian history is called the "New Kingdom".
Tutankhamun
means " living image of Amun"
. Tutankhaten
(Tutankhaten) means “living image of Aten” - the sun god.
Researchers have been able to identify a number of mummies from Tutankhamun's family tree. The research results are based on CT scans and two years of research DNA from 16 mummies, including Tutankhamun.
Pharaoh Amenhotep III
(mummy KV35EL) may have been the grandfather of Tutankhamun.
Pharaoh Akhenaten
(mummy KV55) father of Tutankhamun.
Teye - wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, mother of Akhenaten and grandmother of Tutankhamun.
Mummy KV35YL - mother of Tutankhamun, although her identity is still shrouded in mystery, DNA testing reveals that she was the daughter of Amenhotep III and Teii, and she was also dear sister of her husband Akhenaten, who ruled ancient Egypt from 1351-1334 BC.
Teje - wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, Mother of Akhenaten, grandmother of Tutankhamun
After the death of Akhenaten's father, Tutankhamun became pharaoh at the age of 10 in 1333 BC.
, and reigned for only nine years until his death.
At the age of 12, Tutankhamun married his half-sister Ankhesenamun, the daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, but the couple had no surviving children.
Tutankhamun was one of the last kings Egypt 18th dynasty and ruled during a critical period of history, after the death of Akhenaten's father Egyptian priests
and the priests regained their powers and, rejecting monotheism (monotheism) returned the cult of polytheism,
worship of several deities of ancient Egypt.
Discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 belongs to a British archaeologist Howard Carter. More than 5,000 unique exhibits were found in Tutankhamun's tomb.
In 2009 and 2010 in Zurich at the Center for DNA Genealogy (iGENEA) Swiss genetic scientists conducted extensive DNA research on the mummy of Tutankhamun and other members of his family. In February 2010, the results of Y-DNA research were only partially published; information about the Y-DNA results was closed.
It turned out that the Y-DNA of the mummy of Tutankhamun, his father Akhenaten and his grandfather Amenhotep III belongs to the Y-chromosomal haplogroup R1b1a2, widespread in Italy, the Iberian Peninsula and western England and Ireland.
Up to 70% of Spanish and British men belong to the same Y-chromosomal haplogroup R1b1a2 as the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. About 60% of French men belong to the R1b1a2 haplogroup.
About 50% of the male population in Western European countries belongs to the R1b1a2 haplogroup.
This indicates that they have a common ancestor.
According to the results of a study by the Swiss Center for DNA Genealogy (iGENEA), among modern living in Egypt Of Egyptians, haplogroup R1b1a2 is less than 1%. Very few modern Egyptians are related to the ancient pharaohs. 
Director of the iGENEA Center Roman Scholz said that Pharaoh Tutankhamun and members of the royal family who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago belonged to the genetic haplogroup R1b1a2, common among modern Europeans, and which does not exist today among modern Egyptians.
Pharaoh Tutankhamun belongs to haplogroup R1b1a2, like more than 50% of all men in Western Europe, which means that Tutankhamun was a “white” - “Caucasian”, that is, a man of European appearance, and not a “Caucasian”, as some wise guys translate.
The ancient Egyptians used for embalming various synthetic resins that turned mummies black.
This gave the false impression that the ancient Egyptians were Africans. Indeed, white-skinned pharaohs were considered the highest caste dominating the dark-skinned Egyptian population, consisting of different tribes. It is likely that the pharaohs' white skin also played a role in their deification 3,000 years ago. How lighter color skin, the higher the person’s status in society.
iGENEA researchers believe that the common ancestor of people carrying the genetic haplogroup R1b1a2 lived in the Caucasus approximately 9500 years ago. Haplogroup R1b1a2 comes from haplogroup R1b and R1a, whose representatives from the Black Sea region and the Caucasus came to Africa (Egypt) through Asia Minor during the Neolithic period (Neolithic population). Haplogroup R1a is Proto-Indo-Europeans and... and legendary Arias, according to the DNA of their modern descendants.
The earliest migrations of people with haplogroup R1b1a2, which arose in the Black Sea region about 9500 years ago, spread throughout Europe with a spread Agriculture in 7000 BC
New tomb found in Egypt
carved into desert rocks near the Egyptian city of Thebes, dated to approximately 1290 BC —
time after the reign of Tutankhamun. Princesses of the ruling dynasties, including the daughters of Pharaoh Thutmose IV, are buried in the tomb. Buried in the same tomb police chief and his wife
, which indicates the high status of this government position, ensuring peace and order in Egyptian society. Despite the fact that the “tomb of the princesses” was plundered in ancient times, archaeologists managed to excavate rooms where the robbers had not visited and find unique items from Ivory, ritual vessels and jewelry, giving an opportunity to see the wealth and splendor of the pharaohs of Egypt. 
On a bas-relief found in the Theban "tomb of the princesses" depicts the princesses of Egypt performing sacred purification rituals before Pharaoh Amenhotep III in honor of his anniversary. The bas-relief dates from around 1390-1352 BC
The time will come and the pharaohs will come to life. Just as we wanted
Johannes Krause, a paleogeneticist from the University of Tübingen, reported in the journal Nature Communications that of the 151 mummies the German researchers worked with, genome of three mummies managed to be restored completely, since they DNA is well preserved . They have survived to this day, as the scientist put it. Preserved despite the hot Egyptian climate, high humidity in burial sites and chemicals used for embalming.
Complete genome restoration three mummies promises - even in the distant future - restoration of their owners by cloning. This would suit the ancient Egyptians quite well, who hoped that somehow and someday rise from the dead, that's why they were mummified! It's as if they foresaw that the remains of flesh and bones will be useful.
And so, I propose to collect all the dynasties and their kings into a single list. But first I would like to highlight the most famous and outstanding of them.
Let's start with Narmera. This is a pharaoh of the Predynastic era. He became the first pharaoh to make Memphis his residence.
Sneferu, pharaoh of the 4th dynasty. Rare pieces of furniture were found in the tomb of his queen Neteferis in Giza, which are today kept in the Cairo Museum.
Khufu, pharaoh of the 4th dynasty, builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Khafre (Khefren), pharaoh of the 4th dynasty, builder of the second pyramid at Giza. Great Sphinx The pyramids are an image of King Khafre.
Piopi II, pharaoh of the 6th dynasty, who reached ninety years of age and reigned longer than all other known pharaohs. Mentuhotep, pharaoh of the 11th dynasty. He united Egypt, which was in decline after a long period of internal strife.
Further, Amenemhet I, pharaoh of the 12th dynasty. He usurped the throne of his predecessor, introduced the worship of the Theban god Amun into the cult, and also appointed his son Senusret I as his co-ruler.
Senusret III, pharaoh of the 12th dynasty, known for his bravery. He abolished the privileged position of all provincial officials (nomarchs), fought against Nubia, and also built numerous fortresses in the area of the second cataract of the Nile to prevent raids from the territory of Nubia and protect the Egyptian gold miners working here.
Ahmose ,
pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. He saved Egypt from the Hyksos invasion and pursued the expelled Hyksos all the way to Southern Canaan.
Amenhotep I, son of Ahmose, pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, revered by subsequent generations (along with his mother Queen Nefertari) as one of the gods.
Thutmose I, pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. He waged a fierce struggle with the Kingdom of Mitanni and, together with his troops, reached the Euphrates River in Syria.
Hatshepsut, queen of the 18th dynasty. The most significant among several women who held the Egyptian throne in the entire history of the country.
Thutmose III, pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. He led over 20 victorious campaigns against Egyptian enemies, reaching the fourth cataract of the Nile in Sudan.
Ekhpaton (or Amenhotep IV) ,
pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, most famous of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt as the organizer of a religious, social and cultural revolution. He introduced the cult of the supreme main god - the Sun God Aten and built a new capital in el - Amarna. His wife was the beautiful Nefertiti, whose beautiful bust is kept in the Berlin Museum.
Tutankhamun , pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, who died at the age of eighteen and became widely known thanks to the dramatic discovery of his hitherto intact tomb in the Valley of the Kings (Western Luxor). The treasures found in it occupy a large section of the second floor of the Egyptian Museum.
Next Networks I ,
pharaoh of the 19th dynasty. The first king to display monumental images of his military battles on the wall of the temple at Karnak. The gigantic pillared hall of this temple was partially built during his reign.
Ramesses II (Ramesses the Great), pharaoh of the 19th dynasty, who reigned for 67 years.
Perhaps it was during the years of his reign that the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt occurred. He is responsible for the construction of the largest number of the most magnificent monuments of Egyptian antiquity. In the battle of the Egyptians with the Hittites at Kadesh, 4,000 troops took part on the Egyptian side. He later signed a peace treaty with them and married at least two daughters of the Hittite king. There was a rumor that he was the father of 100 sons. He built a common tomb for many of his children in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb of his wife, Queen Nefertari, is the most beautiful in the Valley of the Queens. During his reign, the rock temple at Abu Simbel was cut down.
Ramesses III, pharaoh of the 19th dynasty, during which the famous naval battle Egyptians with the Sea Peoples, then depicted on the walls of his well-preserved funeral temple in Medinet Habu (Western Luxor). The Philistines are also depicted here for the first time. He was killed as a result of a palace conspiracy.
Shoshenq I, pharaoh of the 22nd dynasty, biblical king Shishak, Libyan by origin. His accession to the throne occurs around the time of the death of the biblical King Solomon. A large list of his conquests in Israel, Judah and other places is carved on the wall of his Temple at Karnak.
Further, Pi(ankhi), Pharaoh of the 25th dynasty, of Nubian origin. Having captured Egypt, he ruled it as an Egyptian king. His victory over Libyan forces in the Nile Delta was immortalized on a triumphal stele now in the Egyptian Museum. He is also known to be a special lover of horses. He and other kings of this dynasty reintroduced the old custom of royal burial in pyramids.
Psammetichus I, pharaoh of the 26th dynasty who restored the rule of the native Egyptians. Its capital was Sais, a city in the western Nile Delta. He ruled during the heyday of classical Greece, recruited Greeks and Carians into his service, and encouraged Greek merchants to found several Greek cities in Egypt.
Amasis ,
pharaoh of the 26th dynasty, fought against the Babylonians who invaded Syria - Palestine, but could not prevent the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
Perhaps now we can return to full list. Of course, not all the names of the kings have reached us, but those that we have will be given here. To begin with, it is worth saying that the mythical ten kings of Thinis are included in the 0th dynasty. After the IV Dynasty, pharaohs, with some exceptions, upon accession to the throne received an official name, consisting of the pharaoh's own name and the name of the sun god Ra.
Dynasty I: Narmer (Less), Axa, Jer, Jet, Udi-mu, Merpaba, Semerkhet, Kaa.
A total of 8 kings reigning for 253 years.
II dynasty: Hotep-ahaui, Ra-neb, Netheri-mu, Peribsen, Ha-sekhemui, Ka-Ra, Ha-sekhemui.
There were 9 kings in total, reigning for 302 years.
III Dynasty: Sa-Nekht, Djoser-Neterkhet, Snefru.
There are 9 kings in total, and 214 years and reigns.
Ancient kingdom
IV dynasty: Sharu, Khufu, Khafra, Men-kau-Ra, Dadef-Ra, Shepses-kaf, Sebek-ka-Ra.
8 kings, and 284 years of their reign.
V Dynasty: Userkaf, Sahu-Ra, Shepses-ka-Ra, Neferf-Ra, Ni-user-Ra, Men-kau-Hor, Dad-ka-Ra-Isesi, Venis.
A total of 9 kings reigning for 248 years.
VI dynasty: Teti, User-ka-Ra, Pepi I, Meren-Ra, Pepi II, Mezhti-em-saf, Neter-ka-Ra, Queen Neit-akert.
There are 6 kings in total, reigning for 203 years.
First transition period
VII Dynasty: The 70 kings of Memphis who reigned for 70 days.
VIII dynasty includes 27 Memphis kings, 146 years.
IX Dynasty: 19 kings reigning for 409 years.
X Dynasty : 10 kings, 185 years.
Middle Kingdom
XI Dynasty: Intef I, Intef II, Mentu-hotep I, Mentu-hotep II, Mentu-hotep III, Mentu-hotep IV.
There are 16 kings in total, and their reign lasted 43 years.
XII Dynasty: Amonemhet I, Senusret, Amenemhet II, Senusret II, Senusret III, Amonemhet III, Amonemhet IV, Queen Sebek-nefru.
We get 8 kings, 160 years of reign.
XIII Dynasty
No data saved.
Second transition period
XIV Dynasty: 76 kings, 184 years of reign.
XV dynasty includes 6 foreign Phoenician kings who reigned for 284 years.
XVI Dynasty: 32 shepherd Greek kings, 518 years old.
New kingdom
XVII Dynasty: Sekenen-Ra I, Sekenen-Ra II, Sekenen-Ra III, Kamee.
In total there were 43 shepherd kings and 43 Theban rulers. Together they reigned for 151 years.
XVIII Dynasty: Ahmes I, Amenhotep I, Thutmose I, Thutmose II, Queen Hatshepsut, Thotmes III Men-Kheper-Ra, Amenhotep II, Thutmose IV, Amenhotep III, Amenhotep IV Akhenatep, Smenkh-ka-Ra, Tut-ankh-Amon, Au, Haremheb.
There are 16 kings in total, reigning for 263 years.
XIX Dynasty: Ramesses I, Setehi I, Ramesses II, Mer-en-Ptah, Setehi II, Amon-mes, Si-Ptah, Setekh-nekht.
Total 8 kings, 209 years.
XX Dynasty: Ramesses III, Ramesses IV, Ramesses V, Ramesses VI, Ramesses VII, Ramesses VIII, Ramesses IX, Ramesses X.
There were 12 kings in total who reigned for 135 years.
Late period
XXI Dynasty: Herihor Smendes, Pianhi Paseb-khanu I, Pinedjem I Amonemipt, Masaharta Si-Amon, Pinedjem II, Paseb-khanu II.
Total 7 kings, 130 years.
XXII Dynasty: Sheshenq I, Osorkon I, Takelot I, Osorkon II, Sheshenq II, Takelot II, Sheshenq III, Pami, Sheshenq IV
A total of 9 kings, reigning for 126 years.
XXIII Dynasty: Piankhi I, Pedubast Osorkon III, Takelot III.
Only 4 kings, 28 years of reign.
XXIV Dynasty: Shabaka, Piankhi II, Shabataka, Taharqa, Tanutamon.
5 kings, 40 years of reign.
XXVI Dynasty: Necho I, Psamtek I, Necho II, Psamtek II, Psamtek III, Apris (Khophra), Amasis II, Psamtek IV.
There are only 9 kings, reigning for 150 years and 6 months.
Persian period
XXVII Dynasty: 8 Persian kings, 124 years and 4 months of their reign.
XXVIII Dynasty: Amirtei (6 years old).
XXIX Dynasty: 4 kings, 20 years and 4 months of their reign.
XXX dynasty: Nectanebo I, Jeher Nectanebo II.
There are only 3 kings, reigning for 38 years.
Conquest of Alexander the Great 332 BC e.
Ptolemaic period: Ptolemy I Soter I, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, Ptolemy III Eurgeitis I, Ptolemy IV Philopatra, Ptolemy V Epiphanes, Ptolemy VI Philometer, Ptolemy VII Eurgetis II, Ptolemy VIII Eupater, Ptolemy IX Neos Philopatra, Ptolemy X Soter II, Ptolemy XI Alexander I, Ptolemy XII Alexander II, Ptolemy XIII Philopatra, Ptolemy XIV Philopatra, Ptolemy XV Philopatra, Cleopatra.
Capture by Octavius (Octavian) 30 BC. e.
The legacy of the most developed ancient civilization, which originated in the Nile Valley, is priceless for posterity. Famous all over the world historical monuments keep many secrets, and above the mysteries of construction giant pyramids Scientists around the world are struggling unsuccessfully. Ancient Egypt is in no hurry to share secrets, but we can tell you about the exact facts of the reign of the kings.
Some facts about the pharaohs
For several millennia, the state was ruled by pharaohs - god's viceroys on earth, who, according to legend, possessed magical power. They regulated all spheres of life of the Egyptians, and the high priests considered themselves their servants, although some kings became puppets in their hands.
Residents believed that the rising of the sun and the ripening of the harvest depended on the ruler. And if terrible epidemics occurred among animals and people, and wars began, then this meant the gods were dissatisfied with their governor.
The kings of Egypt did not have the right to mix their blood with human blood, so they married their sisters first, and only then married ordinary women. But only a child born from a relative inherited the throne.
Women with divine blood held great power and even ruled Egypt until their sons reached maturity.
Who was the founder of the first dynasty of pharaohs?
Scientists do not know exactly when the Egyptian state was born, but after research it was found that it already existed about three thousand years ago.
The founder of the first dynasty is King Ming. He built a fortress, which later became the capital and royal residence. From Memphis, the pharaoh ruled a united Egypt, and his identity is the subject of much debate among scholars. Many experts believe that Ming is a designation for the first three pharaohs of the predynastic period, and all disputes are related to the lack of written sources.
Early kingdom
The next era, about which not much is known, is Early Egypt of the first and second dynasties (Khor Akha, Khasekhem), who harshly suppressed all uprisings and united the country into
During this period, the production of papyrus began, and the widespread dissemination of writing influenced the culture of other eras. Egypt is becoming a country with highly developed agriculture.
Ancient kingdom
The pharaohs have enormous power, and the state turns into a centralized despotism.
By order of King Djoser, the construction of tombs in Giza begins.
Under the reign of the fifth dynasty, the power of the pharaohs begins to weaken, and Egypt is split into administrative units - nomes.
Middle Kingdom
The reign of the twelfth dynasty falls on At this time, wars were waged with neighboring tribes, defensive fortresses were erected.
The kings (pharaohs) of Ancient Egypt - Amenemhet I, Senusret III - were incredibly revered by the population. During this period, tools were improved and bronze tools appeared. The development of agriculture is receiving a powerful impetus thanks to the creation of an irrigation system.
New kingdom
In the New Kingdom, under which the XVIII-XX dynasties ruled (Thutmose I, Hapshetsut, Amenhotep IV, Necho II), Egypt turns into a powerful power. Stormy economic development was due to the influx of captive workers, looted gold and livestock into the country.
During this period, iron tools were widely used, horse breeding and glass production developed. The art of mummifying the bodies of the dead is reaching perfection.
At the beginning of the 11th century, two kingdoms were formed: Lower Egypt, which splits into separate regions, and Upper Egypt, with its capital in Thebes. Nubian rulers are waging bloody wars, dreaming of taking over the country.
The founder of the Sais dynasty, Psammetichus I, liberated the state from the invaders.
Liberation from the Persians and the end of the reign of the Egyptian kings
Persian rule stands out as a separate period. The foreign king Cambyses is proclaimed pharaoh of the XXVII dynasty.
And in 332 BC, Egypt was conquered by A. Macedonian, who liberated the country from the Persians. The era of Hellenism is coming, and the time of the reign of the pharaohs is passing away forever.
Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: table
The exact dating of the reign of the kings is still a matter of debate among scholars. Let's take as a basis a selective table based on the chronology of Professor of Archeology P. Nicholson and Doctor of Sciences Y. Shaw and including the most significant rulers.
Years, BC | Period name | Pharaoh names |
Early kingdom | Menes (Narmer) |
|
Ancient kingdom | Djoser, Sekhemkhet, Snefru, Cheops (Khufu), Khafre (Khafre), Niusera, Unas |
|
Transition period - the decline of the power of the pharaohs | ||
Middle Kingdom | Mentuhotep II, Senusret I, Amenemhet I, Amenemhet II, Amenemhet III, Amenemhet IV |
|
Second transition period | ||
New kingdom | Ahmose I, Thutmose I, Hatshepsut, Tutankhamun, Ramesses I, Ramesses III, Ramesses IV - IX |
Cult of the dead
Speaking about the Egyptian kings, one cannot fail to mention the special attitude of the Egyptians towards death, which led to the emergence of the cult of the dead. Residents believed in the immortality of the soul going to the afterlife. It was believed that when proper storage body, she can return, so the funeral cult was based on the embalming and mummification of the deceased person.
The high priests, who learned to keep the bodies of the pharaohs incorruptible, had special skills in this area.
It was believed that the kings of Egypt even after their death ruled in the afterlife, therefore ritual ceremonies were very important. During their lifetime, the pharaohs thought about an eternal home, and pyramids were erected on the Giza plateau, which became the burial place of the gods' viceroys.
Sacred place
The famous Valley of the Kings in Egypt, located opposite the city of Thebes (Luxor), is a unique place where the pharaohs rest. Until now, it attracts researchers studying the history of ancient civilization. Thirty-seven years ago it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sacred Valley was carefully guarded to prevent the looting of the graves, but with the weakening of the power of the pharaohs, robbers and travelers appeared who caused irreparable damage to the sarcophagi.
Napoleon's expedition, which arrived to conquer Egypt, was the first group to map the tombs. After the publication of works devoted to the Theban burials, the scientific journeys of famous archaeologists begin, who made many important discoveries.
Tombs confusion
Thutmose I was the first to be buried in the Valley of the Kings, and the main problem is that no one knows in which particular tomb he was laid to rest. Such confusion exists with other tombs, although Egyptologists are confident that all Egyptian kings had personal burial chambers built specifically for them.
In 1827, the famous scientist D. G. Wilkinson introduced into scientific circulation the mandatory numbering of tombs, starting with the prefix KV. Service mines were assigned only Latin letters. For example, the famous tomb of Tutankhamun is assigned the number KV 62.
Researchers know of 64 tombs, and the last one has so far been little studied.
Fear of grave robbing
Until the 15th century BC, pharaohs were buried according to special rituals in pyramids built during their lifetime. The rulers controlled the work and took care not only of the burial place, but also of the household items that would be with them in the funeral world, because even in the kingdom of Osiris, the god’s governors must lead a familiar way of life. So says the ancient story.
The kings of Egypt rested in sarcophagi strewn with jewels. The tombs in the pyramids on the Giza plateau were looted, and the mummies were desecrated or reburied by religious fanatics. Thutmose I, who was afraid of outrage, made changes to established traditions. He ordered to bury himself in a secluded and secret place, which became a deep well in the valley.
Disguise from robbers
All subsequent tombs were carved into the rocks, the entrances were masked with stones, and various traps for robbers were set along the way. Such a well abutted into the burial chamber where Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, rested.
Scientists have found that City of dead in Thebes did not escape a sad fate, and the tombs in the valley began to be plundered during the reign of the XX-XXI dynasties of the pharaohs. High officials in Egypt sold gold jewelry from tombs, which was given to them by tomb builders who did not receive money for their work.
Nowadays, the Valley of the Kings is a unique place, testifying to the Findings in an important archaeological site shed light on the events of a developed civilization, which is very important for posterity.
The ancient Egyptians did not call their rulers “pharaohs.” This word was used by the Greeks and Jews. Science can't point out exact amount rulers of Ancient Egypt, since the history of this great civilization is quite fragmented and there were cases when several kings ruled at the same time in different regions.
Predynastic period
II Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
3890 - 2686 BC.
Hetepsekheivi (Hotepsekhemvi)
Reneb (Nebra)
Ninetjer (Ninetjer)
Peribsen (Seth - Peribsen)
Khasezemvi
Ancient Kingdom of Egypt
Ancient Egypt and Dunshur were built during this period.
III Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Sanakhte (Nebka) 2650 - 2630 BC.
Netderichet (Djoser) 2630 – 2611 BC.
Sekhemkhet (Djoser Teti) 2611 – 2603 BC.
Khaba 2603 – 2599 BC.
599 – 2575 BC.
IV Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Snefru 2575 – 2551 BC.
2551 - 2528 BC.
Djedefre 2528 - 2520 BC.
Khafre (Khefren) 2520 - 2494 BC.
Mikerin (Mykerina) 2490 - 2472 BC.
Shepseskaf 2472 - 2467 BC.
V dynasty
Userkafa 2465 - 2458 BC.
Sahura 2458 - 2446 BC.
Neferirkara Kakai 2477-2467 BC.
Shepeseskare Ini 2426 - 2419 BC.
Neferefre 2419 - 2416 BC.
Menkauhor 2422 - 2414 BC.
Djedkare Izezi 2375 - 2345 BC.
VI dynasty
Teti 2345 - 2333 BC.
Pepi I (Merir) 2332 - 2283 BC.
Merenra Nemtiemzaf 2283 2278 BC.
Pepi II (Neferkare) 2278 - 2184 BC.
First transition period
This was a very troubling time in the history of Ancient Egypt. Power was divided between several kings. Montihotep established his own order in the capital of Thebes.
VII -VIII Dynasties of Ancient Egypt
(2150 – 2135 BC)
Netrikare
Menkare
Neferkare II
Neferkare III
Djedkare II
Neferkare IV
Merenhor
Menkamin
Nikare
Neferkare V
Neferkahor
Neferkare VI
Neferkamin II
Ibi
Neferkaure
Neferkauhor
Neferirkara II
Wajekaire
Sekhemkare
Iti
Isu
Yitenu
IX - X dynasties of Ancient Egypt
2135 – 1986 BC.
Neferkare
Several kings named Kheti
Mary – Hathor
XI Dynasty
Iniotef I (Sekhertavi) 2134 – 2117
Iniotef I (Vakhankh) 2117 – 2068
Iniotef I (Nakhtnebtepnefer) 2069 - 2060
This period in the history of Ancient Egypt was marked by the rapid development of foreign trade and large construction projects. A technology for making jewelry was developed. The country's prosperity lasted for quite a long time, but problems domestic policy Egypt became obvious.
Mentuhotep II 2055 -2004
Mentuhotep III (Sankhkare) 2004 - 1992
Mentuhotep IV (Nebtavire) 1992 - 1987
XII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Senusret I (Kheperkare) 1956 - 1911
Amenemheta II (Nubkaure) 1911 - 1877
Senusret II (Haheperre) 1877 - 1870
Senusret III (Jacare) 1836 - 1817
Amenemheta III (Nimaatre) 1817 - 1772
Amenemheta IV (Maaherure) 1772 - 1763
Neferusobek (Sobekkare) 1763 - 1759
Second transition period
The Hyxons invaded the territory of Ancient Egypt and conquered it. Some of the Theban princes seized power. At the end of the XIII Dynasty, Pharaoh Kamosa returned power to the Egyptian kings.
XIII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Vegaf 1783-1779
Amenemheta - Senebef
Sezemre - Khutavi
Amenemhet V
Sehetepibre
Yufni
Amenemhet VI
Semenkare
Sehetepibre II
Sevajkare
Nedjemibre
Sobekhotep
Reniseneb
Nor
Amenemhet VII
Sobekhotep II
Henger
Ymir - Mesha
Antef IV
Set
Sobekhotep III
Neferhotep 1696 - 1686
Sihatator 1685 - 1685
Sobekhotep IV 1685 - 1678
Sobekhotep V 1678 - 1674
Jaib 1674 - 1664
Ai 1664 - 1641
Ini
Sevajti
Ined
Hori
Sobekhotep VI
Dedumes
Ibi II
Nor II
Senebmuy
Sehanre
Merkheperre
Merikare
XIV Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Nehesi
Khatire
Nebfaure
Sekhabre
Merijefare
Sevajkare
Heribre
Sanhibre
Kanefertemre
Neferibre
Ankhkare
XV Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Salitis
Apahnan (Hian)
Apophis (Auserre Apepi)
Hamoudi
XVI Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Anat – Kher
User – Anat
Semken
Zaket
Baka
Cap
Pepi III
Bebanh
Nebmaatra
Nikare II
Aahotepre
Aaneterire
Nibahre
Nubuserre
Hauserre
Hammura
Jacob – Baala
Yakbam
Yoam
Amu
XVII dynasty
Antef V
Rahotep
Sobekemzaf
Djehuty
Mentuhotep VII
Nebirau
Nebirau II
Semenenr
Sobekemzaf II
Antef VI
Antef VII
Tao (Senachtenre)
Tao II (Seqenenre)
Kamosa (Wajkheperre)
New kingdom
This period marks the prosperity and revival of art and grandiose construction projects. Towards the end of the reign of the 19th dynasty of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, the forces of the priesthood were gaining strength and actually ruled the state. During the 20th Dynasty, the tombs of rulers were looted officials. The priests begin to acquire secular power.
XVIII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Ahmose (Nebrekhtire) 1539 - 1514
Amenhotep I (Jeserkare) 1514 - 1493
Thutmose I (Akheperkare) 1493 - 1481
Thutmose II (Aherepenre) 1491 - 1479
1473 — 1458
Thutmose III (Menkheperre) 1504 - 1450
Amenhotep II (Akheperure) 1427 - 1392
Thutmose IV (Menkheperure) 1419 - 1386
Amenhotep III (Nebmaatre) 1382 - 1344
1350 — 1334
Smenkhkara (Ankhehperure) 1336-1334
1334 — 1325
Ai (Kheperkheperure) 1325 - 1321
Horemhebe (Djeserkheperure) 1323 - 1295
XIX dynasty
Ramesses I (Menpekhtire) 1295 - 1294
Seti I (Menmaatre) 1394 - 1279
1279 — 1213
Merepnptah (Baenrekhotehirmaat) 1213 - 1203
Amenmesse (Menmire) 1203 - 1200
Networks II (Userheperuresetepenere) 1200 - 1194
Siptah (Ahenresetepenre) 1194 - 1188
Tausert (Sitremeritamun) 1185-1187
XX Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Setakht (Userkhaumeriamun) 1186 - 1184
Ramesses III (Usermaatremeriamun) 1184 - 1153
Ramesses IV (Hekamaamremetepenamun) 1153 - 1147
Ramses V (Useermaatreseheperenre) 1147 - 1143
Ramesses VI (Nebmaamtpemeriamun) 1143 - 1136
Ramesses VII (Usepmaamresetepenre) 1136 - 1129
Ramesses VIII (Usermaamtrihenamun) 1129 - 1126
Ramesses IX (Neferkaresetepenre) 1126 - 1108
Ramses X (Khepermaamtresetepenre) 1108 - 1099
Ramesses XI (Menmaamtremetepenrtah) 1099 - 1069
Third transition period
The capital of Ancient Egypt was moved to and then back to Thebes.
XXI Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Rulers of Upper and Southern Egypt in Thebes:
Smedes (1070 – 1044) Herihor (1080 – 1074)
Amenemnisu (1040) Piankh (1074 – 1070)
Psusennes (1040 – 992) Pinedjem (1070 – 1032)
Amenope (993 – 984) Masakherta (1054 – 1046)
Osohor (984 – 978) Menkheperre (1045 – 992)
Siamun (978 – 959) Smendes II (992 – 990)
Psusennes II (959 – 945) Pinedjem II (990 – 969)
Psusennes III (969-945)
XII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Shoshenq I 945-924
Osorkona 924-909
Takelot 909 (?)
Sheshenkom II 883
Osorkona II 883-855
Takelot II 860-835
Sheshenkom III 835-783
Pami 783-773
Sheshenkom IV 773-735
Osorkona IV 735-712
XXIII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Pedubaste 828-803
Osorkon IV 777-749
Pefjauvibast 740-725
XXIV Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Shepsespe Tefnakht 725-720
Vahkare Bakenranif 720-715
Later Kingdom of Ancient Egypt
The Assyrians invade ancient Nubia. The Greeks are trying to restore order. During the XXV Dynasty, there was a return to the old style of government in Ancient Egypt.
XXV Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Piye 747-716
Shebaka 712-698
Shebitku 698-690
Taharqa 690-664
Tantamani 664-657
XXVI Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Psammetich I (Psam - Tik) 664-610
Nekau (Necho) II 610-595
Psammetich II 595-589
Apries 589-570
Amasis 570-526
Psammetich III 526-525
XXVII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Cambyses 525-522
Darius I 521-486
Xerxes I 486-466
Artaxerxes I 465-424
Darius II 424-404
XXVIII Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Amirtaios 404-399
XXIX Dynasty of Ancient Egypt
Neferites 399-393
Psammutis 393
Nakoris 393-380
Neferites II 380
XXX dynasty
The last pharaohs of Egyptian origin
Nectaneb 380-362
Teos 365-360
Nectaneb II 360-343
Second Persian period (343-332 BC)
XXXI Dynasty
Founder Manetho
Oh (Artaxerxes III) 343-338
Ass 338-336
Darius III Codomannus 335-332
Greco-Roman period (332 BC - 395 AD)
Macedonian kings in ancient Egypt
Alexander the Great 332-323
Philip Arrhiraus 323-316
Alexander IV 316-304
Ptolemaic Dynasty
Ptolemy I Soter I 323-285
Ptolemy II Philadelphus 282-246
Ptolemy III Euergeter i 246-222
Ptolemy IV Philopator 222-205
Ptolemy V Epiphanes 205-180
Ptolemy VI Philometora 180-164 163-145
Ptolemy VII Neos 145 Philopator
Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II 170-163 and 116-145
Cleopatra and Ptolemy III IX Sotera II 116-107 and 80 - 88
Cleopatra III and Ptolemy X Alexander I 107 - 88
Cleopatra Berenice 81 - 80
Ptolemy XI Alexander II 80
Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysus 80 - 58 and 55 - 51
Berenice IV 58 - 55
Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII 51 - 47
Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIV 47 - 44
and Ptolemy XV Caesarion 44 - 30 BC.
Roman Emperors in Ancient Egypt
August 30 BC - 14 AD
Tiberius 14 - 37
Guy Caligula 37 - 41
Claudia 41 - 54
Nero 54 - 68
Galba 68 - 69
Oton 69
Vitellius 69
Vespasian 69 - 79
Titus 79 - 81
Domitian 81 - 96
Nerves 96 - 98
Trajan 98 - 117
Adrian117 - 138
Antoninus Pius 138 - 161
Marcus Aurelius 161 - 180
Lucius Verruss
Commodus 180 - 192
Pertinax 193
Didius Julianus 193
Septimius Severus 193 - 211
Caracalla 211 - 217
Macrinus 217 - 218
Heliogabala 218 - 222
Alexander Sever 222 - 235
Maximin 235 - 238
Pupienus 238
Gordian 238 - 244
Philip 244 - 249
Decii 249 - 251
Gallus 251 - 253
Valerianus 253 - 260
Gallienae 260 - 268
Claudius II 268 - 270
Aurelian 270 - 275
Tacitus 275 - 276
Florianus 276
Samples 276 - 282
Carus 282 - 283
Numerianus 283 - 284
Diocletian 284 - 305
Galerius 305 - 311
Licinium 308 - 324
Byzantine Christian period
The reign of the Coptic patriarchs began with the reign of Constantine I.