From Pyramids to Power: 10 Must-Know Facts About Pharaohs

Pharaohs were the rulers of ancient Egypt who held immense power and authority over their people. They were believed to be divine and were responsible for maintaining ma'at, the balance of the universe. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 facts about pharaohs that you may not have known before.

## The First Pharaoh

The first pharaoh of Egypt was Narmer, who united Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 BC. He is credited with founding the First Dynasty and establishing Memphis as the capital city. Narmer is often depicted wearing the double crown of Egypt, which represented his control over both regions.

## Building Pyramids

Pharaohs are well-known for building massive pyramids as their tombs. The largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Giza, was built for the pharaoh Khufu and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is estimated that it took over 20 years to construct and required the labor of tens of thousands of workers.

## The Pharaoh's Wife

The pharaoh's wife held a significant role in ancient Egypt. She was known as the Great Royal Wife and was often depicted alongside her husband in artwork. The Great Royal Wife was responsible for producing heirs to the throne and was also expected to act as a religious and political advisor.

## The Pharaoh's Headdress

The pharaoh's headdress was more than just a fashion statement. It was a symbol of their power and authority. The most famous headdress was the Nemes, which was a striped cloth that covered the head and shoulders and was often adorned with the Uraeus, a cobra symbolizing royalty and divine authority.

## The Pharaoh's Mummification

After a pharaoh died, their body was mummified to preserve it for the afterlife. The process involved removing the organs and treating the body with natron, a type of salt. The mummified body was then wrapped in linen bandages and placed in a sarcophagus. The most well-known mummified pharaoh is King Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922.

## The Pharaoh's Power

Pharaohs had absolute power over their people and were believed to be divine. They were in charge of maintaining order and were responsible for everything from making laws to controlling the Nile River. The pharaohs' power was so great that they were often depicted as larger than life in artwork.

## The Pharaoh's Names

Pharaohs had several names, each with a specific meaning. Their birth name was given to them at birth and often included the name of a god or goddess. They also had a throne name, which they took when they became pharaoh, and a Horus name, which represented their divine status.

## The Pharaoh's Legacy

The legacy of the pharaohs can still be seen in modern-day Egypt. The ruins of their temples and tombs attract millions of tourists every year, and their artwork and hieroglyphics provide valuable insight into ancient Egyptian culture. The pharaohs' impact on Egypt's history and culture is immeasurable.

## The Pharaoh's Pets

Pharaohs were known for their love of animals and often kept them as pets. The most popular animal was the cat, which was believed to bring good luck and was often depicted in artwork. Pharaohs also kept dogs, monkeys, and even lions as pets.

## Conclusion

Pharaohs were some of the most powerful and influential rulers in ancient history. Their legacy has lasted for thousands of years and continues to fascinate people today. We hope you enjoyed learning about the top 10 facts about pharaohs.