Egypt’s Powerful Kings & Queens

A series of rulers from the same family!! What is a dynasty? A series of rulers from the same family!!

Government in Egypt revolved heavily around a single figure – the Pharaoh! People believed him to be a living god. This status basically granted the pharaoh virtually absolute (limitless) power and control over his subjects.

Political/Religious leader Owned all the land in Egypt Made the laws Collected the taxes  Led into war if attacked or to expand power High Priest of Every Temple Represented the Gods on earth Performed rituals and built temples In a nutshell, EVERYTHING belonged to the pharaoh!!

This style of government is known as a theocracy - government that claims to rule on behalf of god(s).

FACTS…. Egypt had 31 dynasties until it was conquered by Alexander the Great (Greece) in 332 B.C. Historians group Egypt into three main time periods, called kingdoms: Old Kingdom Middle Kingdom New Kingdom

grew and prospered during the first six dynasties The gaps between the kingdoms were times of troubles- war, invasion, weak rulers. Two Thousand Years of Power Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BC) Middle Kingdom (2040-1786 BC) New (1570-1005 BC) grew and prospered during the first six dynasties pharaohs spent a great deal of money on irrigation projects and building canals. created huge armies of foot soldiers, mounted warriors, and war chariots

King Menes was the 1st pharaoh & dynasty of ancient Egypt. He’s credited for uniting Upper & Lower Egypt. Menes is shown as wearing the double crown from both kingdoms.

This uniting of Egypt began one of the most stable civilizations in history. It lasted more than 2,500 years!

Queen Hatshepsut became 1st Queen of Egypt. Not content to be regent (ruling for Thutmose III until he was of age), she proclaimed herself pharaoh. She ruled for 22 years. Her rule was good for Egypt. Hatshepsut dressed as a man to gain the respect of her people. Historians say she later died from bone cancer.

Infamous Pharaohs King Tut (Tutankhamen) reigned from age of 9-18 His tomb and remains have become a fascination to many people. (His tomb was undisturbed by tomb raiders!) Cleopatra ruled Egypt from 52-31 B.C. She wanted to rule the Roman Empire as well- and almost succeeded!

Egypt eventually was conquered and later became part of the Greek and Roman Empires.

Series of rulers from same family pharaoh Living god Absolute power Theocracy 31 Alexander the Great Old Middle New War, invasions, weak rulers Grew & prospered Irrigation & building canals Huge armies 1st pharaoh & dynasty united double 1st Female Queen (Ruler) regent pharaoh 22 good Ruled age 9-18; only tomb left undisturbed Ruled 52-31 BC; wanted Roman empire too! Conquered Greek Roman