Egyptian Pharaohs Who were the pharaohs? The pharaohs of Egypt were the kings and queens of Egypt. Who were the pharaohs? Most Pharaohs were men. Some were women. Cleopatra Who were the pharaohs? Pharaohs were the most powerful and important people in the kingdom. Who were the pharaohs? ● head of the government and high priest of every temple ● considered to be half-man, half-god. The First Pharaoh of Egypt ● First true pharaoh of Egypt was Narmer (sometimes called Menes) ● United Lower and Upper Egypt Duties of a Pharaoh -Establish and collect taxes -Begin and oversee construction -Protect Egypt from enemies -Represent the people to their gods, and gods to their people -store food (in case of drought) -be in charge of trade with other countries -lead troops into battle -preserve (maintain) order and justice in Egypt Which god did the people think their pharaoh was? ● Ancient Egyptians believed that their pharaoh was the god, Horus, son of Ra (the sun god). ● When a pharaoh died he was thought to be united with the sun and then a new Horus ruled on earth. Where were pharaohs buried? ● First, Egyptian kings were buried in the pyramids. ○ About 50 royal pyramids survived. ● Later years, Egyptian kings were buried in tombs in the Valley of the Kings at Thebes. ○ These tombs were tunnels cut deep into the natural rock. Fun fact! Beards like mine were normally fake. They were not there for style, but indicated social position and masculinity. See this cobra on my headdress? Actually, this was considered as a kind of “protection” from enemies. They helped us keep the land safe and sound..