What does the word Pharaoh mean?
The word “pharaoh” means “Great House”. The “Great House” was the palace where the pharaoh lived.
What role did the Egyptian Pharaoh play in Egyptian Society?
A pharaoh was the ruler of Ancient Egypt. They had the very important job of being heads of state and religious leaders. The pharaoh made laws, waged war, and collected taxes as well as being the go-between between the gods and Egyptians.
How many Egyptian Pharaohs were there?
There were over 200 Egyptian pharaohs. Experts believe that there are still more tombs of pharaohs that have not been discovered yet.
Who was the first Egyptian Pharaoh?
Narmer, also known as Menes, is thought to be the first pharaoh, however, no one knows for sure.
Who are some famous pharaohs?
Djoser
2686 BC - 2649 BC
Djoser was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the Third Dynasty. He reigned for 19 or 28 years. Djoser oversaw the construction of the famous step pyramid at Saqqara. This is also where he was buried.
Khufu
2589 BC - 2566 BC
Khufu was the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty. The length of his reign is debated, some people think it lasted 26 years, others think 46 years, while Manetho, an Ancient Egyptian priest, said he reigned for 63 years. Under Khufu’s rule, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built.
Hatshepsut
1478 BC - 1458 BC
Hatshepsut was the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. She is thought to have reigned for 21 years. Hatshepsut was the second woman to become Pharaoh. She re-established important trade routes, building the wealth of the Dynasty.
Thutmose III
1458 BC - 1425 BC
Thutmose was the sixth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. He ruled Egypt for almost 54 years. Thutmose was said to be a military genius and never lost a battle.
Amenhotep III
1388 BC - 1351 BC
Amenhotep III was the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Amenhotep III reigned for 38 years over a peaceful and prosperous Egypt. During his reign, Egypt reached the peak of its artistic and international power.
Akenhaten
1351 BC - 1334 BC
Akenhaten was the tenth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Akenhaten believed that Aten, the sun god, was the one true god. He moved the Egyptians away from polytheism. Polytheism is the worship of multiple gods and goddesses.
Tutankhamun
1332 BC - 1323 BC
Tutankhamun was the twelfth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. He was the youngest Pharaoh to ascend the throne, aged just 9 or 10. He was physically disabled and needed to use a cane. Damaged old monuments were restored during Tutankhamun’s reign.
Ramses II
1279 BC - 1213 BC
Ramses II was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty. During the early part of his reign he focused on building cities, temples, and monuments. He established the city of Pi-Ramesses as his new capital. Ramses II ruled Egypt for 67 years and had 96 children!
Xerxes I
486 BC - 465 BC
Xerxes I reigned at the time when Egypt was part of the Persian empire. He is best known for his invasion of Greece. His titles included King of Persia, King of Babylon, Pharaoh of Egypt, and King of Countries.
Cleopatra VII
51 BC - 30 BC
Cleopatra VII was Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Cleopatra’s death brought an end to the Egyptian empire. After she died, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire.
We have lots of Ancient Egypt resources, including a free Ancient Egypt Timeline.
