Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt

Definition: Pharaohs were powerful leaders who controlled the lands of ancient Egypt.
Significance: They were honored in life and believed to maintain power in the afterlife.

In 1922, archaeologists discovered a tomb belonging to a pharaoh.
- Inside the tomb:
- Three coffins nested within each other.
- The smallest coffin was made of solid gold, containing the pharaoh's mummy, which is a preserved body to prevent decaying.
- A magnificent golden mask adorned the mummy's head.
- Jewelry and good luck charms were found with the mummy.
- Other rooms in the tomb housed statues, weapons, furniture, and a chariot.
Important Find: The tomb belonged to King Tutankhamen, commonly known as King Tut.
Insight: Artifacts in King Tut's tomb provide valuable information about ancient Egyptian society.

Ancient Egypt experienced three significant periods of stability and unity, known as:
1. Old Kingdom (c. 2700–2200 B.C.E.)
2. Middle Kingdom (c. 2000–1800 B.C.E.)
3. New Kingdom (c. 1600–1100 B.C.E.)

Time Frame: Approximately 2700 to 2200 B.C.E.
Characterization: Age of the Pyramids.
Achievements:
- Establishment of a strong central government by early pharaohs.
- Construction of great pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs.
- Pharaoh example: Khufu.

Reign: c. 2551 to 2528 B.C.E. (Old Kingdom period).
Known for:
- Being the architect of the Great Pyramid at Giza.
- Strict control over Egypt's food supply and grain storage.
- Declaring himself a god to emphasize his authority.
Great Pyramid of Giza:
- Constructed of over 2 million stone blocks, perfectly fitted.
- Featured intricate tunnels leading to various burial chambers, particularly the king's chamber supported by six roofs.
- Construction took approximately 20 years, organized and fed thousands of workers.

Reign: c. 1971 to 1926 B.C.E. (Middle Kingdom period).
Strengths:
- Strong leader ruling a unified Egypt.
- Flourished arts during his reign:
- Controlled mines yielding gold, copper, and precious stones.
- Artisans created elaborate jewelry.
- Significant literary works emerged, such as "The Story of Sinuhe."
- Notable architectural achievements:
- Constructed many temples and shrines, notably the White Chapel.
- White Chapel:
  - Made of alabaster.
  - Thought to be covered in gold.
  - Decorated pillars with intricate carvings.
Legacy: Although few structures survived, pieces of the White Chapel were discovered and reconstructed by archaeologists.

Reign: c. 1473 to 1458 B.C.E. (New Kingdom period).
Significance:
- One of Egypt's first female pharaohs.
- Strengthened her rule by surrounding herself with loyal advisers.
- Promoted trade, notably with the kingdom of Punt.
Notable architectural legacy:
- Constructed a magnificent temple at Dayr al-Bahri.
- Features included:
- Tall obelisks and numerous sphinx statues at the entrance.
- Walls depicted scenes of her trade expedition to Punt.

Reign: c. 1290 to 1224 B.C.E. (New Kingdom period).
Acclaimed as Ramses the Great.
Longevity: Ruled for over 60 years, known for extensive military strategies and construction achievements.
Personal life:
- Had over 100 wives and children.
- Erected hundreds of statues in his likeness, some over 60 feet tall.
Military endeavors:
- Fought against the Hittite Empire; notable for signing the first known peace treaty, which lasted until Hittite decline around 1190 B.C.E.
Major architectural project:
- Temple complex at Abu Simbel:
- Carved into a cliff by the Nile with giant statues at the entrance.
- Ingenious design aligns the temple entrance with the sun twice yearly, illuminating the inner sanctum.
Legacy: Buried in a tomb constructed for him, known for remarkably well-preserved mummy.