Pharaoh

Quick Facts: Who was Pharaoh?

Subject:

Pharaoh

Known for:

The title of the monarch of ancient Egypt, evolving from a palace designation to a royal epithet.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Pharaoh was the monarch of ancient Egypt. The title came into use from the Eighteenth Dynasty onwards and was subsequently attributed to all the previous kings of Egypt. Before this Pharaoh was a term that referred more specifically to "king's administration" rather than the king. The earliest confirmed instance of the title used contemporaneously for a ruler is a letter to Akhenaten (reigned c. 1353–1336 BCE), possibly preceded by an inscription referring to Thutmose III (c. 1479–1425 BCE). Although the title only came into use in the Eighteenth Dynasty during the New Kingdom, scholars today use it for all the rulers of Egypt from the First Dynasty (c. 3150 BCE) until the annexation of Egypt by the Roman Republic in 30 BCE.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In the early dynasties, ancient Egyptian kings had as many as three titles: the Horus, the Sedge and Bee (nswt-bjtj), and the Two Ladies or Nebty (nbtj) name. The Golden Horus and the nomen titles were added later. In Egyptian society, religion was central to everyday life. One of the roles of the king was as an intermediary between the deities and the people. The king thus was deputised for the deities in a role that was both as civil and religious administrator.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The king owned all of the land in Egypt, enacted laws, collected taxes, and served as commander-in-chief of the military. Religiously, the king officiated over religious ceremonies and chose the sites of new temples. The king was responsible for maintaining Maat (mꜣꜥt), or cosmic order, balance, and justice, and part of this included going to war when necessary to defend the country or attacking others when it was believed that this would contribute to Maat, such as to obtain resources. During the early days prior to the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, the Deshret or the "Red Crown", was a representation of the kingdom of Lower Egypt, while the Hedjet, the "White Crown", was worn by the kings of Upper Egypt. After the unification of both kingdoms, the Pschent, the combination of both the red and white crowns became the official crown of the pharaoh.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1353: 1353 Milestone — 1353–1336 BCE), possibly preceded by an inscription referring to Thutmose III (c.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Pharaoh

True or False: “Did the term 'Pharaoh' originally refer exclusively to the living king, or did it first denote the royal palace?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Initially, the word derived from hieroglyphs referred specifically to the royal palace; its use as a personal title evolved over time.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Margaret I of Denmark — Historical peer (Born in 1353) (1353): Founder of the Kalmar Union, ruling queen of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
• Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev — Historical peer (Born in 1336) (1336): Bulgarian prelate who served as Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus', known for his writings.
• Emperor Go-Fushimi — Historical peer (Died in 1336) (1336): 93rd Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1298 to 1301, marking a brief but significant period.
• Antonello da Messina — Historical peer (Died in 1479) (1479): Master Italian painter known for introducing Netherlandish oil techniques to the Renaissance.
• Diego Columbus — Historical peer (Born in 1479) (1479): Spanish explorer and second admiral of the Indies, son of Christopher Columbus.
• Ashikaga Yoshikazu — Historical peer (Died in 1425) (1425): Fifth Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate during Japan's Muromachi period.
• Charles III of Navarre — Historical peer (Died in 1425) (1425): King of Navarre, known as the Noble, whose reign saw shifting alliances and personal turbulence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pharaoh