Who were the Pharaohs? - Info pack

Pharaohs were the rulers of ancient Egypt, occupying the highest office in both the government and religious hierarchy. The term 'pharaoh' was used to refer to the king, and it was the common title for the monarchs, with the majority being male and only a few female pharaohs throughout history. Each pharaoh was the sole ruler during their reign, and over the course of Egyptian history, there were approximately 170 individuals who held this prestigious title. The pharaohs were so revered that they were addressed simply as "Pharaoh" rather than "the pharaoh," indicating their unique and singular status within the society.

In their role, pharaohs were seen as divine or semi-divine figures, acting as intermediaries between the gods and the people. In the Old Kingdom, they were considered living gods, but in the Middle Kingdom, their role shifted to being representatives of the gods on Earth. The pharaoh held dual titles as the king of Egypt and the High Priest of all temples, wielding absolute power. Despite not being objects of worship, their commands were followed without question. Furthermore, pharaohs were believed to own all the wealth in Egypt, including land, livestock, and resources, which underscored their responsibility to maintain Ma'at, the principle of balance and harmony in the ancient Egyptian world. Their duty was crucial for the prosperity of the land, as it was believed that the Nile's flooding, essential for agriculture, depended on the pharaoh's ability to fulfil their obligations.