Pharaoh

Pharaoh is the common title now used to refer to the monarchs of ancient Egypt from the First Dynasty (c. 3150 BCE) until the annexation of Egypt by the Roman Empire in 30 BCE, although the term "pharaoh" was not used contemporaneously for a ruler until Merneptah, c. 1210 BCE. In the early dynasty, ancient Egyptian kings used to have up to three titles: the Horus, the Sedge and Bee (nswt-bjtj), and the Two Ladies (nbtj). The Golden Horus and nomen and prenomen titles were later added.

Etymology

The term "pharaoh" is the Greek form of the Egyptian pero or per-a-a, which was the designation for the royal residence and means `Great House'. The name of the residence became associated with the ruler and, in time, was used to refer to the emperor himself.

History

The history of the title "Pharaoh" starts with the early Egyptian civilization. It was first used in the Old Kingdom, where the term was applied to the king. The term continued to be used throughout the Middle and New Kingdoms, and it was only in the Late Period that the term began to be associated with the person of the king.

Role

The Pharaoh was the political and religious leader of the Egyptian people, holding the titles 'Lord of the Two Lands' and 'High Priest of Every Temple'. As 'Lord of the Two Lands' the Pharaoh was the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. He owned all of the land, made laws, collected taxes, and defended Egypt against foreigners. As 'High Priest of Every Temple', the Pharaoh represented the gods on Earth. He performed rituals and built temples to honour the gods.

See also

• Ancient Egypt
• Egyptian civilization
• Egyptian mythology
• Egyptian religion

External links

• Britannica - Pharaoh

Pharaoh Resources
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