Explorers and archaeologists have discovered these tombs and learned a great deal about ancient Egyptian society from them. Hatshepsut, in particular, was a successful ruler, but many inscriptions and monuments about her were destroyed after her death-perhaps to stop future women from becoming pharaohs.Īfter their deaths, many pharaohs were entombed and surrounded by riches they were meant to use in the afterlife. He was the third ruler of the 19th Dynasty and ruled for an amazing 67 years, the second longest reign of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
King Ramses the Secondtook the throne of Egypt in his early twenties (around 1279 BC) and ruled for 66 years until his death (1213 BC). He was one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Pharaohs were typically male, although there were some noteworthy female leaders, like Hatshepsut and Cleopatra. Ramses II(aka Ramesses II, Rameses II or Sese) was the third pharaoh of the 19th dynasty. Though there is some debate among experts, many believe he was the first ruler to unite upper and lower Egypt (this is why pharaohs hold the title of “lord of two lands”). By the time of Rameses III, (right) however, the world was going through great upheavals. For two thousand years Egyptian civilisation had been pre-eminent, indeed, Egypt had enjoyed a prestige throughout the know world second to none. Many scholars believe the first pharaoh was Narmer, also called Menes. Rameses III 1187-56 BC The Last Great Pharaoh Rameses III defeating the Sea Peoples. As a statesman, the pharaoh made laws, waged war, collected taxes, and oversaw all the land in Egypt (which was owned by the pharaoh). Maintaining religious harmony and participating in ceremonies were part of the pharaoh’s role as head of the religion. While early Egyptian rulers were called “kings,” over time, the name “pharaoh” stuck.Īs the religious leader of the Egyptians, the pharaoh was considered the divine intermediary between the gods and Egyptians. The word “ pharaoh” means “Great House,” a reference to the palace where the pharaoh resides. As ancient Egyptian rulers, pharaohs were both the heads of state and the religious leaders of their people.