Key People Ancient Egypt

Menes 3000 BCE, founder of the first dynasty. Founder of Egyptian State, as he unified Lower and Upper Egypt. The first ‘human’ ruler, Egyptians believed the previous rulers were actually gods. Introduced the worship of the gods, sacrifice practice and a more luxurious living style.

Djoser 2667 BCE – 2648 BCE 2nd ruler of the 3rd Dynasty. Commissioned his official, Imhotep to build the first of the pyramids, a step pyramid, in Saqqara. Also known as the “body of the gods”

Cheops 2589 BCE – 2566 BCE, 2nd ruler of the 4th Dynasty. Builder of the first pyramid of Giza.

Chefren 2588 BCE – 2532 BCE, 4th ruler of the 4th Dynasty. Buiolder of the second pyramid of Giza (slightly smaller then the first). Some think the head of the sphinx was carved in his image, because it is immediately next to his causeway and believe to be about the same age. Moved his capital to Memphis.

Mycerinus 2532 BCE – 2503 BCE, Second last king of the 4th Dynasty. Builder of the 3rd pyramid of Giza. The plans for the pyramid were changed several times, hence why the pyramid was not fully completed. It is said that an oracle warned him that he had only six years to live, so he doubled his life by banqueting through the hours of each night.

Hatshepsut 1473 BCE – 1458 BCE Married to her half-brother and had a daughter, but the heir to the throne was the son of her husband and a concubine. She took the throne when her husband died because his son was too young. Supported by priests of Amun an architect named Sesenmut. Often wore a fake beard to be appreciated as a masculine ruler. Many of the traces of her reign were erased after her death.

Tutankhamen 1336 BCE – 1327 BCE, ruler in the 18th Dynasty Little was known about him until his tomb was found by Howard Carter in 1922. Tut’s tomb was found in the Valley of Kings and was the best preserved of any Royal Egyptian tombs. Approx. 8 years old when he became Pharaoh.

Ramesses ll 1303 BCE – 1213 BCE, 3rd Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty. Regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh. Made Egypt rich from all the supplies and riches he collected from other Empires. Many of his subjects were born during his reign and believed the world would end without him. Died at 90 years of age.

Cleopatra VII 69 BCE – 30 BCE Her family ruled Egypt but spoke Greek. Was known as the reincarnation of Isis. Ruled with her Father, then her brothers and married one of her brothers. Eventually ruled by herself. Had a son with Julius Caesar, named Ceasarion. After JC’s assassination she joined with Marc Antony and bore twin girls. After her death, her son ruled but was soon murdered on Roman Emperor orders. Egypt then became a Roman province called Aegyptus.