Do You Know Your Egyptian Pharaohs?

Unlike many other rulers of the ancient period, Egyptian pharaohs were worshiped by their people as gods. The pharaohs explained their divine power to the people by telling them that their bounty on earth was due to the awesome power of the pharaoh.

This was a known practice within some royal dynasties such as the eighteenth dynasty, where some believe the practice may have caused genetic disorders.

The largest pyramid was constructed by Khufu, son of the pharaoh Snefru, around 2540 B.C.

Hatshepsut ruled during the New Kingdom period, beginning in about 1475 B.C. While there is much uncertainly about her family, she is typically believed to have been the wife of Tutmosis II and took power upon his death, perhaps ruling while her son

Expansion all the way to Nubia occurred at this time, while Egypt was also respected throughout the ancient world at this time for its wealth and military strength.

Pharaohs had many wives. Although the pharaoh's chief wife was recognized above the others, even the children of lesser wives could ascend to the throne if the chief wife did not give birth to a son.

Although there are many questions about the family lineage of the eighteenth dynasty, it is generally accepted that Tutankhamen was the son of Akenaten and one of his secondary wives. It is also believed that "Tut" was married to the daughter of Akenaten and Nefertiti. However, "Tut" never had any surviving children and became the last ruler of this dynasty.

Nefertiti was the chief wife of Akhenaten and many believe she may have even shared, to some degree, the tasks of ruling the kingdom.

After changing his title from Amenhotep IV to Akhenaten, he then established an entirely new city out in the desert, which would be dedicated to his one and only god, the Aten.

Tutmosis III and Amenhotep III ruled during the New Kingdom Period.