The name "Pharaoh" became the definition of the bearer of the supreme state power only in the era of the New Kingdom. Before this era, the ancient Egyptian transcription "per-oa" (distorted ancient Greek ("φαραώ") literally meant "Great House." , to keep the army of slaves in obedience, to build cyclopean monuments and grandiose tombs. This made a rather strong impression on those around. Many inhabitants of the Nile Delta and ambassadors of other states believed Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt is materialized in the flesh is one of the hypostases of the ancient Egyptian gods.
Pharaoh's significance in ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptian pharaohs, if they were not considered the earthly incarnation of God, were considered as intermediaries between the divine spirit and earthly matter. There was no doubt about the infallibility of the Pharaoh, for any condemnation of the will of the Egyptian rulers of the disobedient two punishments awaited - slavery or death. At the same time, the attributes of the pharaoh's merits were very varied and extensive. In addition to the purely unitary function, any attribute of the clothing of the Egyptian king also had a semantic function.
The role is not purely managerial or military, but to a certain extent sacred. It was thanks to its proximity to religious cults that the flood of the Nile was ensured - the guarantor of soil fertility in high yields. The priests, brought to the masses of the common people the will of the Egyptian ruler, using magical rites. Moreover, the importance of the pharaoh in Ancient Egypt was emphasized by every little thing, by any everyday action. Neither a commoner nor a high dignitary could sit down at the table without mentioning the name of the pharaoh, of whom he had several. At the same time, it was forbidden to pronounce the true name of the ruler (Ramses, Akhenaten). The most commonly used definition was “life-health-strength”.
Only a few Egyptians managed to see the earthly embodiment of the Most High with their own eyes. Even the closest nobles crept up to the Pharaoh, crawling on their knees and bowing their heads. The deceased pharaoh had to be reunited with his divine community and his heavenly life, like the earthly one, should take place in luxury. Pharaoh in the afterlife must have everything he needs that surrounded him in the earthly vale. This explains the richness and variety of burial utensils.
The first pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
Despite the fact that the first ruler of Ancient Egypt was officially recognized as Ni-Neit, (Hor-Ni-Neit), whose years of reign have not yet been determined, in reality this is the first ruler of Egypt during the dynastic period. The history of the Egyptian state is much older and before Ni-Neith was ruled by mythical rulers (Ptah, Ra, Osiris) and the pharaohs of the pre-dynastic period ("Elephant", Pen-abu ("Bull") and "Scorpio" I). Who are they and whether they are real personalities, modern Egyptology cannot give an answer. The actual first pharaohs of Ancient Egypt - (Hat-Khor (Khor-khat), Ka, (Khor-ka, Khor-sekhen), Narmer (Nar)) are little known and there is practically no material evidence of them.
It is possible to talk about the greatness of the pharaohs since the era of the reign of Djoser - the first pharaoh of the III dynasty of the Old Kingdom and the builder of the first, step pyramid.
The names of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt
Like all the rituals of Ancient Egypt, the clothes of the supreme rulers and the names of the Egyptian pharaohs wore a touch of sacredness. The names used in modern literature are rather nicknames (if not to say "nicknames") of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. The future ruler received a personal name written in one hieroglyph at birth. When he was appointed heir to the throne of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms, a clarification was made in front of his personal name - "son of Ra". If a woman ascended the throne, then the prefix was the definition of "daughter of Ra". The first "Pharaoh" to be awarded such a title was Queen Merneut ("To be loved"). According to information that has come down to us, she was the wife of either Pharaoh Jet (Uenefes) or Dzher (Khor Khvat).
When the pharaoh came to the throne, he was given a throne name. It was these names that were displayed in cartouches, thanks to which Jean-Francois Champollion was able to decipher the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
In addition to these two names, the pharaoh could be called the Golden name, the name according to Nebti and the Choral name (the name of Horus).
The heritage of the most advanced ancient civilization, which originated in the Nile Valley, is priceless for descendants. World-famous historical monuments keep many secrets, and scientists from all over the world are unsuccessfully fighting over the riddles 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 the kings.
Few facts about the pharaohs
For several millennia, the state was ruled by the pharaohs - the governors 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 rising of the sun and the ripening of the harvest depended on the ruler. And if there were terrible epidemics among animals and people, wars began, then this meant the discontent of the gods with their governor.
The kings of Egypt had no right to mix their blood with human, so they first married their sisters, and only then married ordinary women. But the throne was inherited only by a child born from a relative.
Women in whom divine blood flowed wielded great power and even ruled Egypt until their sons reached maturity.
Who was the founder of the first dynasty of the pharaohs?
Scientists do not know exactly when the Egyptian state was born, but after studies it was found that about three thousand years ago it already existed.
The founder of the first dynasty is King Ming. He built a fortress, which later became the capital and royal residence. From Memphis, Pharaoh ruled a unified Egypt, and his identity is a source of controversy among scholars. Many experts believe that Min is the designation of the first three pharaohs of the pre-dynastic period, and all disputes are related to the lack of written sources.
Early kingdom
The next era, about which not much is known, - Early Egypt of the first and second dynasties (Khor Aha, Hasekhem), which brutally suppressed all the uprisings, united the country into
During this period, the manufacture of papyrus begins, and the widespread use of writing has an impact on the culture of other eras. Egypt becomes a country with highly developed agriculture.
Ancient kingdom
Pharaohs wield tremendous power, and the state turns into a centralized despotism.
At the behest of King Djoser, the construction of the tombs in Giza begins.
Under the rule of the fifth dynasty, the power of the pharaohs begins to weaken, and Egypt is split into administrative units - nomes.
Middle kingdom
The rule of the twelfth dynasty falls on At this time, wars are 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 of labor were improved and bronze tools appeared. A powerful impetus is being given to the development of agriculture due to the creation of an irrigation system.
New kingdom
In the New Kingdom, under which the XVIII-XX dynasties ruled (Thutmose I, Hapshetsut, Amenhotep IV, Neho II), Egypt turns into a powerful state. The rapid economic development was due to the influx of captive workers, plundered gold and livestock into the country.
During this period, iron tools were widely used, horse breeding and glass production developed. The art of mummifying the bodies of the dead reaches perfection.
At the beginning of the XI century, two kingdoms were formed: Lower Egypt, which breaks up into separate regions, and Upper, with the capital in Thebes. Nubian rulers are waging bloody wars, dreaming of conquering the country.
The founder of the Sais dynasty, Psammetichus I, liberated the state from the invaders.
Liberation from the Persians and the end of the reign 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 approaching, and the time of the reign of the pharaohs is leaving forever.
Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: table
The exact dating of the reign of kings is still a matter of debate among scholars. Let us take as a basis a sample table based on the chronology of Professor of Archeology P. Nicholson and Doctor of Science Y. Shaw and including the most significant rulers.
Years, BC | Period name | The names of the pharaohs |
Early kingdom | Menes (Narmer) |
|
Ancient kingdom | Djoser, Sekhemkhet, Sneferu, Cheops (Khufu), Khafren (Khafra), Nyusera, Unas |
|
The transition period - the decline of the power of the pharaohs | ||
Middle kingdom | Mentuhotep II, Senusert I, Amenemhat I, Amenemhat II, Amenemhat III, Amenemhat IV |
|
Second transition period | ||
New kingdom | Ahmose I, Thutmose I, Hatshepsut, Tutankhamun, Ramses I, Ramses III, Ramses IV - IX |
Cult of the dead
Speaking about the Egyptian kings, one cannot fail to mention the special attitude to 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, it could return, so the funeral cult was based on the embalming and mummification of a deceased person.
High priests possessed special skills in this area, having learned to keep the bodies of the pharaohs incorruptible.
It was believed that the kings of Egypt and after their death rule in the afterlife, so ritual ceremonies were very important. During their lifetime, the pharaohs thought about an eternal dwelling, and pyramids were erected on the Giza plateau, which became the burial place of the governors 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 rest. Until now, it attracts researchers studying 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 the 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 to conquer Egypt was the first group to map the tombs. After the publication of works devoted to the Thebes burials, scientific travels of famous archaeologists began, who made many important discoveries.
Confusion with tombs
The first buried in the Valley of the Kings was Thutmose I, and the main problem is that no one knows in which particular 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 obligatory numbering of tombs, starting with the prefix KV. Service mines were assigned only Latin letters. For example, the famous tomb of Tutankhamun is assigned the number KV 62.
Researchers know 64 tombs, and the latter is still poorly understood.
Fear of looting graves
Until the 15th century BC, the 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 burial place, but also of the household items that would be with them in the mortal world, because even in the kingdom of Osiris, the governors of God must lead a familiar way of life. This is the ancient story.
The kings of Egypt rested in jeweled sarcophagi. The tombs in the pyramids on the Giza plateau were plundered, and mummies were desecrated or reburied by religious fanatics. Fearing outrage, Thutmose I made changes to the established traditions. He commanded to bury himself in a secluded and secret place, which became a deep well in the valley.
Rogue Disguise
All subsequent tombs were cut out in the rocks, the entrances were masked with stones, and various traps for robbers were set up along the way. Such a well rested against the burial chamber where Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, rested.
Scientists have established that the City of the Dead in Thebes did not escape a sad fate, and the tombs in the valley began to be plundered during the reign of the XX-XXI dynasty of pharaohs. The highest officials of Egypt sold gold jewelry from the tombs, which were given to them by the builders of the tombs, who did not receive money for their work.
Nowadays, the Valley of the Kings is a unique place, testifying to the Findings in an important archaeological site shedding light on the events of an advanced civilization, which is very important for descendants.
In the IV millennium BC on the territory of Egypt there were 42 small "states" the Greeks called them nomes... As a result of the wars between them, by the middle of the 4th millennium BC. NS. two large kingdoms arose - the South (Upper Egypt) and the North (Lower Egypt). The southern one consisted of 22 nomes, the northern one of 20. After some time, the king of Upper Egypt conquered Lower Egypt and united the country. Usually they write that they did it Mena about. 3000 BC NS. But, apparently, this event happened much earlier. In any case, several of Mena's predecessors have already called themselves the rulers of all Egypt (the so-called zero dynasty). The dates, especially for the third millennium BC, are very approximate even for estimating the time of the reign of various dynasties, not to mention the dating of the reigns of individual pharaohs. It is also unknown how and under what circumstances the changes of dynasties took place.
Pre-dynastic kings, up to 3000 BC NS.
These pharaohs were probably the direct predecessors of the first dynasty pharaohs. Perhaps, under them, Egypt was already a single kingdom, and the unification of the country took place even earlier. Unfortunately, the names of the predecessors of these pharaohs were not preserved. Their capital was a city Tinis... ? ? (Scorpio) Ka (Double) Narmer (Som)
First Dynasty (from Tinis), beginning c. 3000 BC n. NS.
Pharaoh Mena built a new capital - the city of Memphis. Under him, the most ancient chronicles began to be kept. Apparently, therefore, the ancient Egyptians considered him the founder of the first dynasty. It's just that in the annals the name of Pharaoh Mena was the first that descendants discovered there. Mena (= Gore-Aga = Menes) Jer Uaji Den (= Udimu = Densemite = Usefais) Ajib (= Miebis) Semerhet Kaa (= Kebhu)
Second Dynasty (from Tinis), ended ca. 2780 BC NS.
The exact number and sequence of the reign of the pharaohs of this dynasty has not been established. Bejau Hetepsekhemui Raneb Ninecher Uneg (Veneg) Send (Sened) Peribsen Hasekhem Hasekhemui
Third Dynasty (from Heliopolis), c. 2780 - c. 2720 BC BC NS.
Djoser considered the founder of the third dynasty, although there is no reliable information about this. If he had predecessors, then their names were not preserved in history, and Djoser became famous for the fact that the first pyramid was built under him. The exact number and sequence of the reign of the pharaohs of this dynasty has not been established. Djoser Semerkhet (Sekhemkhet) Haba Neferkara Nebka Hu (= Huni)
Fourth Dynasty (from Elephantine), c. 2720 - c. 2560 BC BC NS.
Snefru Khufu (Cheops) Djedefra (Rajedef) Khafra (Khefren) The Interregnum, a power struggle between two of Khafre's brothers, Khorjed and Rabauf, later outlawed. Menkaura (Mikerin) Shepseskar (Shepseskaf)
Fifth Dynasty (from Elephantine), c. 2560 - c. 2420 biennium BC NS.
This maternal dynasty was a continuation of the fourth dynasty. Userkaf Sahura Neferirkara Kapai Shepseskara Neferefra (Neferkara) Niuserra Menkauhor Jedkara Isesi Unis
Sixth Dynasty, c. 2420 - c. 2260 BC BC NS.
Tepi (= Aunt) Userkara Merira Piopi (Pepi) I Merenra I Neferkara Piopi (Pepi) II (d. C. 2270 BC) Piopi II ascended the throne as a teenager and ruled for about 100 years, which is a kind of record in world history. Merenra II Nitokerti (Nitokris), Queen Menkar
Seventh Dynasty
Time of decline and decay of the ancient kingdom. The ancient Egyptian historian Manetho says about this dynasty: "seventy kings in seventy days." If this dynasty really ruled, then for a very short time and obviously not throughout Egypt.
Eighth Dynasty, c. 2260-2220 BC NS.
The pharaohs of this dynasty did not have power over the entire country. According to Manetho - "27 kings who ruled for 146 years." It seems the eighth dynasty was related to the sixth. But the list of the pharaohs of this dynasty, due to the lack of sources, is still impossible to restore.
Ninth Dynasty (from Heracleupolis), c. 2220 - c. 2130 BC NS.
This dynasty ruled in the north of Egypt, but also in the south at this time a state was formed with the capital in Thebes.
The dynasty's possessions were conquered by the pharaoh of the eleventh Theban dynasty Mentuhotep I / II.
Eleventh Dynasty (from Thebes), c. 2160-2000 BC NS.
The pharaohs of this dynasty united all of Egypt under their rule.
Mentuhotep(nomarch of Thebes, did not accept the royal title)
| Intef I (= Antef) | OK. 2160-2120 / 19 |
| Intef II | OK. 2120 / 18-2070 |
| Intef III | OK. 2070-2065 |
| Mentuhotep I / II | OK. 2065-2015 |
| Mentuhotep II / III | ? |
| Mentuhotep III / IV | ? |
| Mentuhotep IV / V | OK. 2015-2007 |
| Mentuhotep V / VI | OK. 2007-2000 |
Twelfth Dynasty (from Thebes), OK. 2000-1785 BC NS.
Dynasty founder Amenemhat I carried out a coup d'état, took the throne and founded a new dynasty that was lateral to the eleventh dynasty.
| Amenemhat I | about 2000-1980 |
| Senusret I | OK. 1980-1935 |
| Amenemhat II | OK. 1935-1896 |
| Senusert II | OK. 1896-1887 |
| Senusert III | OK. 1887-1849 |
| Amenemhat III | OK. 1849-1801 |
| Amenemhat IV | OK. 1801-1792 |
| Nefrusebek (= Sebeknefrura), queen. | OK. 1792-1785 |
T thirteenth and fourteenth dynasties, c. 1785-1680 BC NS.
Lists have survived, which list a large number of names of the pharaohs who ruled after the twelfth dynasty - only about one hundred and fifty names. Unfortunately, due to the extensive damage to the lists, not all names can be read. Traditionally, these pharaohs belong to the thirteenth (from Thebes) and fourteenth (from Xois) dynasties. It is difficult to draw a line between them. It is also unknown whether these dynasties followed one another or coexisted at the same time.
The pharaohs of these dynasties rarely ruled for more than a few years. And often they were removed from the throne after a few months, or even days. Here are just a few notable names.
| Sebekhotep I | ? |
| Amenemhat V | 1774—1772 |
| Amenemhat VI | ? |
| Sanhybr | ? |
| Hetepibr | ? |
| Sebekhotep II | ? |
| Ranseneb | ? |
| Gore | ? |
| Amenemhat VII | ? |
| Hutover | ? |
| Senusret IV | ? |
| Henger | ? |
| Semenkhara | ? |
| Sebekemsaf I | ? |
| Sebekhotep III | 1754-1751 |
| Neferhotep I | 1751—1740 |
| Sebekhotep IV | 1740—1730 |
| Sebekhotep V | 1730—1725 |
| Wahibrayeb | 1725—1714 |
| Murneferi | 1714—1700 |
| Sebekhotep VI | 1700—1698 |
| Neferhotep II | 1698-? |
| Horus II | ? |
| Sebekhotep VII | ?-1693 |
| Mentuhotep V | ? |
| Mentumsaf | ? |
| Didymos I | ? |
| Didymos II | ? |
| Senebmi | ? |
| Neferhotep III | ? |
| Sebekhotep VIII | ? |
| Mershepsef-Ini | ? |
| Mentuvoser | ? |
| Senaaib | ? |
| Venvavetemsaf | ? |
Around 1680 BC NS. Nomad tribes invaded Egypt through the Sinai Peninsula from Asia, which in history remained known as the Hyksos. They captured Lower Egypt and ruled there for 108 years.
Pharaoh (Pharaoh) is the idol of youth, a new phenomenon in modern Russian rap culture. He is a representative of the so-called "cloud rap", which is characterized by slow beats, smooth reading and philosophical, often depressing lyrics (although the debate about Pharaoh's belonging to cloud-rap continues to this day).At the age of 19, Pharaoh, whose real name is Gleb Golubin, became the leader and ideological inspirer of the Dead Dynasty formation, whose leitmotif of creativity was a defiant mixture of nihilism and rudeness. The main themes of his tracks are drugs, girls and sex.
Childhood and family of Gleb Golubin (rapper Pharaoh)
Gleb Gennadievich Golubin was born and raised in Moscow, in the Izmailovo district, in the family of a sports functionary. His father, Gennady Golubin, was the general director of the Dynamo football club, and later became the head of a company specializing in sports marketing.Rapper Pharaoh as a child
Naturally, the parents predicted a sports career for their son. From the age of six, the boy played football professionally. At a young age, Gleb managed to play for Lokomotiv, CSKA and Dynamo. Until the age of thirteen, his life consisted mainly of daily training and school. But in adolescence, the realization came that he would not be able to make a second Pele, and his father was not delighted with his son's sporting achievements.
Music replaced football. At the age of 8, Gleb became interested in the work of the German group Rammstein, for the sake of which he even signed up for German language courses. Another teen idol was the American rapper Snoop Dogg. The musical sympathies of the future musician did not find support from classmates (then other performers were in fashion), but this did not bother Gleb.
At the age of 16, the young man went to America for six months. There he finally determined his musical passions and opened new horizons for creativity.
Rapper Pharaoh's career
In 2013, Gleb returned to Moscow and entered the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University. At the same time, he recorded his first track Cadillak and began performing as part of the Grindhouse group under the pseudonym Pharaoh.But the video clip for the track "BLACK SIEMENS" brought real fame to the novice musician. In it, Gleb raps against the background of a white Lincoln, which Dmitry Dyuzhev drove in the cult TV series Brigada. The song constantly repeats the sounds of "skr-skr", which later became his trademark.
Rapper Pharaoh - skr-skr
Tired of constant questions from fans about what this mysterious "skr-skr" means, Pharaoh eventually explained that this was the sound that Bruce Lee made during training. Another version was that "skrt" is an imitation of the sound of car tires.
Pharaoh's next video, "Champagne Squirt", has nearly 10 million views on YouTube. After the premiere of the video, the phrase "Squirt of champagne in the face" spread across social networks, and Pharaoh became a truly cult character among the youth audience.
Since 2014, Pharaoh has partnered with rappers Fortnox Pockets, Toyota RAW4, Acid Drop King, Jeembo and Southgarden on the Dead Dynasty project.
Pharaoh - 5 Minutes Ago
Due to the mysterious image that Pharaoh cultivates on social networks, fantastic rumors are constantly spreading about his life. In 2015, information appeared that the rapper had died of a drug overdose. After that, Pharaoh released a new album Phosphor ("Phosphorus"), the video for the song "Let's stay at home" again gained a huge number of views on the Web.
In February 2017, by tradition, he posted on the Web a new track "Unplugged (Interlude)", which stood out from the general rapper's work - it was recorded with a guitar. Pharaoh's fans suggested that this is a composition from the upcoming acoustic album, which Pharaoh had mentioned more than once before.
Pharaoh's personal life
Pharaoh has no shortage of girlfriends. One of his former girls is the current lead singer of the Silver group Katya Kishchuk.At the beginning of 2017, Gleb began dating a scandalous model, the daughter of the famous tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Alesya.
In time immemorial, a civilization arose on the territory of modern Egypt in the Nile Valley, leaving behind many secrets and mysteries. Even now it attracts the attention of researchers and ordinary people with its color, its uniqueness and rich heritage.
Thirty dynasties of rulers of Egypt
It is not known exactly when hunting tribes entered the Nile Valley and found plenty of food there and a wide river as a reliable source of water. The years passed. The rural communities organized here grew in size and wealth. Then they split into two kingdoms - Lower (in the south) and Upper (in the north). And in 3200 BC. NS. the ruler Menes was able to conquer Lower Egypt and organized the first dynasty of the pharaohs, under whose control both the delta and the valley of the great Nile were located.
Unified Ancient Egypt Map
During the dynastic period, Ancient Egypt often became the dominant state in the region. This state possessed a complex social structure, advanced technologies for those times, a powerful army and developed internal trade. In addition, the Egyptians managed to achieve fantastic success in the field of construction - they were able to build effective irrigation systems on the banks of the Nile, huge temples and pyramids that amaze the imagination of even modern man. In addition, the Egyptians invented the hieroglyphic writing system, organized an efficient judicial system, and many other important and amazing things.
Total from 3200 BC e., until the conquest of the Egyptians by the Persians in 342 BC. NS. there were thirty dynasties of rulers of Egypt. These are truly Egyptian dynasties - that is, their representatives were themselves Egyptians, and not conquerors from distant lands. The last pharaoh of the thirtieth dynasty was Nectaneb II. When the Persians invaded his state, he collected his treasures and fled south.
However, this is not the end of the history of Ancient Egypt, as many believe. Then Alexander the Great was able to recapture Egypt from the Persians, and subsequently this region was ruled by Ptolemy, Alexander's commander. Ptolemy I proclaimed himself king of Egypt in 305 BC. NS. He used local traditions from the ancient pharaohs to gain a foothold on the throne. This (and also the fact that he died a natural death, and not as a result of a conspiracy) shows that Ptolemy was a smart enough ruler. As a result, he managed to create his own special dynasty, which ruled here for more than 250 years. By the way, the legendary Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last representative of the Ptolemy dynasty and the last queen of Egypt.
Some legendary pharaohs
Pharaohs stood at the top of the social ladder and were considered equal to the gods. Great honors were given to the Pharaohs, they were considered so powerful that they were literally afraid to touch them.
The pharaohs traditionally wore the ankh around their necks - a magical symbol and talisman, which the Egyptians attached great importance to. There were many pharaohs over the centuries and millennia of the existence of Egypt, but several of them are worth mentioning separately.
Almost the most famous Egyptian pharaoh - Ramses II... He ascended the throne when he was about twenty years old and ruled the country for almost seven decades (from 1279 to 1213 BC). During this time, several generations have changed. And many of the Egyptians who lived at the end of the reign of Ramses II believed that he was a real immortal deity.
Another Pharaoh worthy of mention - Djoser... He ruled in the XXVII or XXVIII century BC. NS. It is known that during his reign the city of Memphis finally became the capital of the state. However, Djoser went down in history primarily by the fact that he built the very first pyramid in Ancient Egypt (it is also the first stone architectural structure in the world). More precisely, it was built by the vizier Djoser - a man of extraordinary abilities named Imhotep. Unlike the later pyramid of Cheops, the pyramid of Djoser consists of steps. Initially, it was surrounded by a wall with 15 doors, and only one of them opened. At the moment, there is nothing left of the wall.
There were several female pharaohs in the history of ancient Egypt... One of them is Hatshepsut, who ruled in the 15th century BC. NS. Her name can be translated as "located in front of the noble ladies." Having removed the young Thutmose III from the throne and declared herself pharaoh, Hatshepsut continued to restore Egypt after the raids of the Hyksos, erected a large number of monuments on the territory of her state. In terms of the number of progressive reforms carried out, she surpassed many male pharaohs.
At the time of Hatshepsut, it was believed that the pharaohs are the incarnations of the god Horus in the earthly world. In order not to sow confusion among the people, the priests reported that Hatshepsut was the daughter of the god Amun. But at many ceremonies, Hatshepsut still appeared in a man's attire and with a fake beard.
In modern Western culture, Queen Hatshpsut has an image of an intelligent, energetic woman endowed with analytical abilities. A place for Hatshepsut was found, for example, in the famous exhibition of the artist Judy Chicago "The Dinner Party", dedicated to the great women who influenced the history of mankind.
Pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled in the XIV century BC NS. is another popular figure in the history of Ancient Egypt. He carried out truly revolutionary religious reforms. He decided to make the previously insignificant god Aten, associated with the solar disk, the center of all religion. At the same time, the cults of all other gods (including Amon-Ra) were prohibited. That is, in fact, Akhenaten decided to create a monotheistic religion.
In his transformations, Akhenaten relied on people who held high positions in the state, but came from commoners. On the other hand, most of the hereditary priestly nobility actively resisted the reforms. Ultimately, Akhenaten lost - after his death, the usual religious practices returned to the daily routine of the Egyptians. Representatives of the new XIX dynasty, which came to power ten years later, abandoned the ideas of Akhenaten, these ideas were discredited.
Pharaoh-reformer Akhenaten, who, according to many scientists, was simply ahead of his time
And a few more words should be said about Cleopatra VII, who ruled Egypt for 21 years. She was really an outstanding and, apparently, very attractive woman. It is known that she had an affair first with Julius Caesar, and later with Mark Antony. From the first she bore a son, and the second two sons and daughters.
And one more interesting fact: Mark Antony and Cleopatra, when they realized that they could not resist Emperor Octavian, eager to conquer Egypt, began to arrange endless drinking parties and festive feasts. Soon Cleopatra announced the creation of the "Union of Death Rows", whose members (and all those close to him were invited to join it) swore an oath that they would die together. In the same period, Cleopatra tested poisons on slaves, wanting to find out which of them could bring death quickly and without severe pain.
In general, in 30 BC. NS. Cleopatra, like her beloved Antony, committed suicide. And Octavian, having established his control over Egypt, turned it into one of the provinces of Rome.
Unique buildings on the Giza plateau
The pyramids on the Giza plateau are the only of the so-called seven wonders of the world that have survived to this day.
The greatest interest among Egyptologists and ordinary people is the Pyramid of Cheops... Its construction lasted about two decades and was completed, probably in 2540 BC. NS. For its construction, 2,300,000 volumetric stone blocks were needed, their total mass was seven million tons. The height of the pyramid is now 136.5 meters. The architect of this pyramid is called Hemiun, the vizier of Cheops.
The glory of a classic despot was entrenched in Pharaoh Cheops. Some sources report that Cheops forced the population to work on the construction of the pyramid with tough measures. The very name of Cheops after he died was allegedly forbidden to be pronounced. And the resources of Egypt as a result of his rule were so depleted that this led to the weakening of the country and the end of the Fourth Dynasty.
The second largest ancient Egyptian pyramid on the same plateau - the pyramid of Khafre, the son of Cheops. It is indeed slightly smaller, but at the same time it is located on a higher hill and has a steeper slope. The pyramid of Khafre has the shape of a regular quadrangular figure with sides of 210.5 meters. Inside there is one burial chamber with an area of 71 m 2, in which the pharaoh's sarcophagus was once kept. This chamber can be accessed through one of two tunnels.
The third pyramid - the pyramid of Pharaoh Mikerin- was built later than the other two. Its height barely reaches 66 meters, the length of the square base is 108.4 meters, and the volume is 260 thousand cubic meters. It is known that once the lower part of the pyramid was trimmed with red Aswan granite, just above the granite was replaced by white limestone. Finally, at the very top, red granite was again applied. Unfortunately, the cladding was not preserved; in the Middle Ages, the Mamelukes took it from here and used it for their own needs. The burial chamber in this pyramid is located at ground level.
Near the three pyramids, everyone can see Great sphinx- a statue of a lion with a human face. This statue is 72 meters long and 20 meters high. There was once a shrine between the forepaws. The exact time of the creation of the Sphinx is unknown - there is a debate about this. Someone thinks that it was erected by Chefren, others say that it was Gephedra - another son of Cheops. There are also versions that the Sphinx appeared much earlier, about twelve thousand years ago (supposedly the ancient Egyptians simply dug it out during the dynastic period), and very dubious versions that the Sphinx was created by aliens.
Features of society and lifestyle of the ancient Egyptians
The Egyptians believed that after their death, the judgment of the god Osiris awaits them, who will put their bad and good deeds on different scales of special scales. And in order for good deeds to prevail, in earthly life it is necessary to behave in an appropriate manner.
In addition, it was important for the inhabitants of Ancient Egypt that their afterlife was similar to life on earth. Therefore, it was necessary to carefully prepare for the transition to another world. A wealthy Egyptian built an afterlife for himself in advance. When the pharaoh died, not only his body was placed in his tomb, but also many things that could be useful in another life - clothes, jewelry, furniture, etc. stepped - probably, the steps were required so that the pharaoh, as it were, could ascend into the world of the gods.
Egyptian society consisted of several estates and social status was of great importance here. The wealthy Egyptians had wigs and elaborate headdresses in fashion, and got rid of their hair. In this way, the problem of lice was solved. But the poor people had a hard time - among them it was not accepted to have their hair cut "to zero".
The main clothing of the Egyptians was an ordinary loincloth. But rich people, as a rule, also wore shoes. And the Pharaohs were accompanied everywhere by bearers of sandals - there was such a special position.
Another fun fact: for a long time in Egypt, transparent dresses were popular among wealthy women. In addition, to demonstrate the social status of the Egyptians (and the Egyptians too) they wore necklaces, bracelets and other similar accessories.
Some professions in ancient Greek society - warrior, official, priest - were inherited. However, to achieve a significant position, thanks to their talents and skills, was also quite realistic.
Most of the able-bodied Egyptians were employed in agriculture, handicrafts, or the service sector. And at the very bottom of the social ladder were slaves. They usually performed the role of servants, but at the same time they had the right to buy and sell goods, to receive freedom. And having become free, they could even enter the nobility over time. The humane attitude towards slaves is also evidenced by the fact that they were entitled to medical assistance in the workplace.
In general, Egyptian healers were very enlightened for their time. They were well versed in the characteristics of the human body and carried out very complex operations. According to research by Egyptologists, even the transplantation of some organs was not a problem for local doctors. It is also interesting that in ancient Egypt, some of the infectious ailments were treated with bread covered with mold - this can be considered a kind of analogue of modern antibiotics.
Also, the Egyptians actually came up with mummification. This process looked like this: the internal organs were removed and placed in vessels, and soda was applied to the body itself so that it would not decompose. After the body had dried, its cavities were filled with flax soaked in a special balm. And finally, at the last stage, the body was bandaged and closed in a sarcophagus.
Relations between men and women in ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, men and women had almost equal legal rights. At the same time, the mother was considered the head of the family. The pedigree was kept strictly along the maternal line and land ownership also passed from mother to daughter. Of course, the spouse had the right to dispose of the land while the spouse was alive, but when she died, the daughter received the entire inheritance. It turns out that a marriage union with the heiress to the throne could well give a man the right to rule the country. Including for this reason, the pharaoh took his sisters and daughters as wives - in this way he protected himself from other possible contenders for power.
Marriages in ancient Egypt were mostly monogamous. However, a wealthy Egyptian man, along with his lawful wife, could support a concubine. On the other hand, a woman who had more than one man could be punished.
Marriage in Ancient Egypt was not consecrated by the priests, the Egyptians also did not arrange magnificent wedding festivities. For the wedding to be recognized as valid, the man had to say "I am taking you as a wife," and the woman had to answer, "You take me as a wife." It is important to add here that it was the Egyptians who were the first to wear wedding rings on the ring finger - this custom was later adopted from them by the Greeks and Romans.
Ancient Egyptian newlyweds also exchanged gifts with each other. Moreover, in case of divorce, your gift could be returned (a very good custom). And in the later periods of the history of Ancient Egypt, the conclusion of marriage contracts became a fairly common practice.
The documentary film “Ancient Egypt. The history of the creation of the ancient Egyptian civilization "