1. Rulers of Ancient Egypt
Land of the Pharaohs
Rulers of Ancient Egypt

2. Pharaohs Pharaohs were the kings of Egypt
Pharaoh was believed by the Egyptians to be the supreme ruler chosen by the gods to lead his people
They believed that when a man became a pharaoh, he also became a god
According to Egyptian legend, the first kings of Egypt were later some of the most famous gods

3. Pharaohs The word “Pharaoh” was used by the Greeks and Hebrews
The title “Pharaoh” originated from the Greek language and it is used in the Old Testament
The title originates in the term
"pr-aa" which means "great house" and describes the royal palace

4. Responsibility of Pharaohs
Pharaohs ruled with absolute power
Despite absolute power the Pharaoh’s rule was subject to Ma’at and was expected to govern according its principles
Ma’at was the goddess and symbol of the equilibrium of the universe
Any King that attempted to radically change society would be seen as destroying the equilibrium that was so important to Egyptian tradition resulting in civil war or a challenge in his authority

5. Succession
To keep the pure line of succession, a Pharaoh passed on the throne to the eldest son born of the Principal Queen, or Great Royal Wife
Each king was usually keen to demonstrate to his subjects that he was the “chosen” heir
The Pharaoh owned all of the land, people, and possessions in Egypt
Any personal wealth enjoyed by Egyptians people was considered a result of the generosity of the King.