The legacy of the most advanced ancient civilization that originated in the Nile Valley is priceless for posterity. World-famous historical monuments keep many secrets, and scientists from all over the world are trying unsuccessfully to solve the mysteries of the construction of giant pyramids. Ancient Egypt is in no hurry to share secrets, but we can tell about the exact facts of the reign of kings.
A few facts about pharaohs
For several millennia, the state was ruled by pharaohs - the deputies of God on earth, who, according to legend, have magical powers. They regulated all spheres of life of the Egyptians, and the high priests considered themselves their servants, although some kings became puppets in their hands.
The inhabitants believed that the rise of the sun and the ripening of the crop depended on the ruler. And if there were terrible epidemics among animals and people, wars began, then this meant the dissatisfaction of the gods with their governor.
The kings of Egypt did not have the right to mix their blood with human, so they married their sisters first, and only then married ordinary women. But the throne was inherited only by a child born from a relative.
Women in whomdivine blood flowed, had great power and even ruled Egypt until their sons reached maturity.
Who was the founder of the first dynasty of pharaohs?
Scientists do not know exactly when the Egyptian state was born, but after research it was found that it already existed about three thousand years ago.
The founder of the first dynasty is King Ming. He built a fortress, which later became the capital and royal residence. From Memphis, the pharaoh ruled over a united Egypt, and his identity is much debated among scholars. Many experts believe that Ming is the designation of the first three pharaohs of the predynastic period, and all disputes are related to the lack of written sources.
Early Kingdom
The next era, about which not much is known, is the Early Kingdom. The kings of Egypt of the first and second dynasties (Khor Akha, Khasekhem), who severely suppressed all the uprisings, united the country into a centralized state.
During this period, the production of papyrus begins, and the widespread use of writing has an impact on the culture of other eras. Egypt is becoming a country with highly developed agriculture.
Old Kingdom
The ancient kingdom is characterized by constant wars. The kings of Egypt of the third - eighth dynasty (Sneferu, Djoser) conquer the lands of northern Nubia and seize the copper mines in the Sinai Peninsula.
Pharaohs have enormous power, and the state is turning into a centralized despotism.
By order of the kingDjoser begins construction of tombs in Giza.
During the reign of the fifth dynasty, the power of the pharaohs begins to weaken, and Egypt is divided into administrative units - nomes.
Middle Kingdom
The reign of the twelfth dynasty falls on the Middle Kingdom. At this time, wars are being waged with neighboring tribes, defensive fortresses are being built.
The kings (pharaohs) of Ancient Egypt - Amenemhat I, Senusret III - were incredibly revered by the population. During this period, tools were improved and bronze tools appeared. A powerful impetus is given to the development of agriculture due to the creation of an irrigation system.
New Kingdom
In the New Kingdom, ruled by the XVIII-XX dynasties (Thutmose I, Hapshetsut, Amenhotep IV, Necho II), Egypt is turning into a powerful power. The rapid economic development was due to the influx of captured workers, looted gold and livestock into the country.
During this period, iron tools were widely used, horse breeding and glass production developed. The art of mummification of the bodies of the dead reaches perfection.
At the beginning of the XI century BC, two kingdoms were formed: Lower Egypt, which breaks up into separate regions, and Upper, with its capital in Thebes. The Nubian rulers are waging bloody wars, dreaming of taking over the country.
The founder of the Sais dynasty Psammetikh I.
liberated the state from the invaders.
Liberation from the Persians and the end of the Egyptian kings
Persian rule stands out in a separate period. The foreign king Cambyses is proclaimed the pharaoh of the XXVII dynasty.
And in 332 BC, Egypt was conquered by A. Macedonian, who liberated the country from the Persians. The era of Hellenism is coming, and the reign of the pharaohs is forever gone.
Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: table
The exact dating of the reign of the kings still causes debate among scientists. Let's take as a basis a selective table based on the chronology of Professor of Archeology P. Nicholson and Doctor of Science J. Shaw and including the most significant rulers.
| Years, BC | Period name | Pharaoh names |
| 3100-2686 | Early Kingdom | Menes (Narmer) |
| 2686-2181 | Old Kingdom | Djoser, Sekhemkhet, Sneferu, Cheops (Khufu), Khafre (Khafre), Niusera, Unas |
| 2181-2055 | Transitional period - the decline of the power of the pharaohs | |
| 2055-1650 | Middle Kingdom | Mentuhotep II, Senusret I, Amenemhat I, Amenemhat II, Amenemhat III, Amenemhat IV |
| 1650-1550 | Second transitional period | |
| 1550-1069 | New Kingdom | Ahmose I, Thutmose I, Hatshepsut, Tutankhamen, Ramses I, Ramses III, Ramses IV – IX |
Cult of the Dead
Speaking about the Egyptian kings, one cannot fail to mention the special attitude towards death among the Egyptians, which led to the emergence of the cult of the dead. The inhabitants believed in the immortality of the soul going to the afterlife. It was believed that with proper storage of the body, she could return, so the funeral cult was based on the embalming and mummification of the deceased person.
The high priests, who learned to keep the bodies of the pharaohs incorruptible, had special skills in this area.
It was believed that the kings of Egypt and after their death rule in the afterlife, so ritual rites were very important. Pharaohs during their lifetime thought about eternal dwelling, and pyramids were erected on the Giza plateau, which became the burial place of the deputies of the gods.
Sacred place
The famous Valley of the Kings in Egypt, located opposite the city of Thebes (Luxor), is a unique place where the pharaohs are buried. Until now, it attracts researchers involved in the history of ancient civilization. Thirty-seven years ago it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sacred Valley was carefully guarded to prevent the looting of graves, but with the weakening of the power of the pharaohs, robbers and travelers appeared who caused irreparable harm to the sarcophagi.
Napoleon's expedition, which arrived to conquer Egypt, was the first group to map the tombs. After the publication of works devoted to the Thebes burials, scientific journeys of famous archaeologists begin, who have made many importantdiscoveries.
Tomb mess
Thutmose I was the first to be buried in the Valley of the Kings, and the main problem is that no one knows in which tomb he was buried. Such confusion exists with other tombs, although Egyptologists are sure that all Egyptian kings had personal burial chambers built specifically for them.
In 1827, the famous scientist D. G. Wilkinson introduced into scientific circulation the mandatory numbering of tombs, beginning with the prefix KV. Service mines were assigned only Latin letters. For example, the famous tomb of Tutankhamun has been assigned the number KV 62.
Researchers know 64 tombs, the latter being little studied yet.
Fear of grave robbing
Until the 15th century BC, pharaohs were buried according to special rites in pyramids built during their lifetime. The rulers controlled the work and took care not only of the place of burial, but also of household items that would be with them in the dead world, because even in the kingdom of Osiris, the deputies of God should lead a familiar lifestyle. So says the ancient story.
The kings of Egypt rested in sarcophagi studded with jewels. Pyramid tombs on the Giza plateau were looted and mummies desecrated or reburied by religious fanatics. Fearing abuse, Thutmose I made changes to established traditions. He ordered to be buried in a secluded and secret place, which was a deep well in the valley.
Disguise from robbers
All subsequentthe tombs were carved into the rocks, the entrances were masked with stones, and various traps for robbers were arranged along the way. Such a well rested against the burial chamber where the pharaoh, the king of Egypt, rested.
Scientists have established that the City of the Dead in Thebes did not escape the sad fate, and the tombs in the valley began to be looted during the reign of the XX-XXI dynasty of the pharaohs. Egypt's top officials sold gold jewelry from the tombs, which were given to them by the builders of the tombs, who were not paid for their work.
Today, the Valley of the Kings is a unique place that testifies to the ancient history of Egypt. Finds in an important archaeological site shed light on the events of an advanced civilization, which is very important for posterity.
