list of pharaohs

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14-10-2024

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Unveiling the Dynasties: A Comprehensive List of Egyptian Pharaohs

The pharaohs of ancient Egypt, with their majestic pyramids and enduring legacies, continue to fascinate us today. This comprehensive list offers a glimpse into the lives and reigns of these powerful rulers, organized by dynasty and encompassing over 3,000 years of Egyptian history.

Early Dynastic Period (c. 3150-2686 BCE)

• Dynasty 1 (c. 3150-2890 BCE): This period saw the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, with the first pharaoh, Narmer (or Menes), credited with this momentous achievement. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Narmer/Menes: The legendary founder of the unified kingdom.
  • Aha: Known for his expansionist campaigns and development of the royal necropolis at Abydos.
  • Djer: A prominent king credited with establishing the earliest known Egyptian royal tomb at Abydos.

• Dynasty 2 (c. 2890-2686 BCE): This dynasty saw the continuation of early state development and a flourishing of artistic and architectural achievements. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Peribsen: The only known pharaoh of this dynasty to bear a foreign-sounding name, potentially hinting at a period of instability.
  • Khasekhemwy: The last pharaoh of Dynasty 2, known for consolidating power and laying the groundwork for the Old Kingdom.

Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BCE)

• Dynasty 3 (c. 2686-2613 BCE): This dynasty marks the beginning of the Old Kingdom, a period of political stability and impressive construction projects. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Djoser: The first pharaoh to construct a pyramid complex, the iconic Step Pyramid at Saqqara. His reign saw the rise of Imhotep, a brilliant architect and physician considered a legendary figure in Egyptian history.
  • Sanakht: Known for his successful military campaigns and for establishing a royal palace in Memphis.

• Dynasty 4 (c. 2613-2494 BCE): The pharaohs of this dynasty are renowned for their magnificent pyramids, especially the Great Pyramid of Giza, constructed by Khufu. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Sneferu: Known for pioneering the construction of true pyramids and for his impressive complex at Dahshur, featuring the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
  • Khufu: The builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • Khafre: Known for his own massive pyramid and the Great Sphinx, which likely depicted him.
  • Menkaure: The builder of the smallest of the three Giza pyramids, but still a remarkable monument.

• Dynasty 5 (c. 2494-2345 BCE): This dynasty witnessed a golden age of art and architecture, with the construction of numerous temples and impressive tombs. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Userkaf: The founder of the dynasty, known for the construction of the Abusir pyramid complex.
  • Sahure: The builder of the impressive pyramid at Abusir, decorated with scenes depicting his military campaigns and religious rituals.
  • Neferirkare Kakai: Known for his pyramid complex at Abusir and for his efforts to improve the irrigation system of the Nile Valley.

• Dynasty 6 (c. 2345-2181 BCE): This dynasty witnessed the decline of the Old Kingdom, marked by political instability and economic hardship. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Pepi I: Known for his long reign and for his extensive expeditions to the south, including Nubia.
  • Pepi II: The last pharaoh of Dynasty 6, known for his incredibly long reign (94 years!), which saw the gradual decline of the Old Kingdom.

First Intermediate Period (c. 2181-2055 BCE)

• Dynasty 7-10 (c. 2181-2055 BCE): This period is marked by political fragmentation, with the rise of local rulers and a decline in central authority.

Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1650 BCE)

• Dynasty 11 (c. 2055-1991 BCE): This dynasty marks the beginning of the Middle Kingdom, with the reunification of Egypt under Mentuhotep II. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Mentuhotep II: Known for his successful reunification of Egypt and his role in the revitalization of the state.
  • Mentuhotep III: Continued the expansion of the kingdom and focused on economic development.
  • Mentuhotep IV: The last pharaoh of Dynasty 11, whose reign was short and turbulent.

• Dynasty 12 (c. 1991-1797 BCE): This dynasty saw a period of stability and prosperity, with the construction of impressive monuments and a flourishing of the arts. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Amenemhat I: The founder of the dynasty, known for his administrative reforms and the construction of the White Wall of Itjtawy, a new capital city.
  • Senusret I: Known for his military conquests in Nubia and for his impressive pyramid complex at Lisht.
  • Amenemhat III: A powerful ruler known for his extensive irrigation projects and for his tomb at Hawara, featuring the Labyrinth, a complex underground structure.
  • Amenemhat IV: Known for his short reign and for his pyramid complex at Hawara.

Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650-1550 BCE)

• Dynasty 13 (c. 1650-1600 BCE): This dynasty saw a gradual decline of the Middle Kingdom and the rise of foreign influences.
• Dynasty 14 (c. 1600-1550 BCE): This dynasty ruled over a small region in the Nile Delta, while the Hyksos, a foreign people, gained control of Lower Egypt.
• Dynasty 15-17 (c. 1650-1550 BCE): The Hyksos ruled over a large part of Egypt during this period.

New Kingdom (c. 1550-1069 BCE)

• Dynasty 18 (c. 1550-1292 BCE): This dynasty witnessed a resurgence of Egyptian power and cultural brilliance. The pharaohs of this era expanded the kingdom's borders, built magnificent temples and monuments, and established a strong military presence in the region. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Ahmose I: The founder of the dynasty, known for his successful expulsion of the Hyksos from Egypt.
  • Thutmose I: The first pharaoh of the 18th dynasty to conquer Nubia, expanding Egypt's territory significantly.
  • Hatshepsut: The first female pharaoh of Egypt, known for her ambitious building projects, including the Deir el-Bahari Temple. She ruled alongside Thutmose III.
  • Thutmose III: One of the most successful military leaders in Egyptian history, known for his campaigns in Syria and his impressive victories in the Battle of Megiddo.
  • Amenhotep III: Known for his extravagant building projects, including the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Luxor.
  • Akhenaten: The controversial pharaoh who introduced a new monotheistic religion centered on the sun god Aten. His reign was marked by artistic innovation and religious reform.
  • Tutankhamun: The most famous pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, known for his intact tomb discovered in 1922.

• Dynasty 19 (c. 1292-1186 BCE): This dynasty saw a continuation of Egyptian power and influence, with notable pharaohs like:

  • Ramses I: The founder of the dynasty, known for his short reign and for establishing the foundations for a renewed period of prosperity.
  • Seti I: Known for his impressive building projects, including the Temple of Abydos and the Hypostyle Hall at Karnak.
  • Ramses II: The most powerful pharaoh of the 19th dynasty, known for his long reign (66 years!), his impressive military victories, and his numerous building projects, including the Abu Simbel temples.

• Dynasty 20 (c. 1186-1069 BCE): This dynasty marked the gradual decline of the New Kingdom, with a weakening of the central government and the emergence of regional power struggles. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Ramses III: Known for his successful defense of Egypt against the invasion of the Sea Peoples.
  • Ramses VI: A pharaoh who oversaw the construction of several royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Third Intermediate Period (c. 1069-664 BCE)

• Dynasty 21-25 (c. 1069-664 BCE): This period is marked by political instability and the fragmentation of the Egyptian state. The power of the pharaohs diminished, with local rulers and foreign powers gaining increasing influence.

Late Period (c. 664-332 BCE)

• Dynasty 26 (c. 664-525 BCE): This dynasty saw a brief resurgence of Egyptian power under Psamtik I, who reunified the country. Notable pharaohs include:

  • Psamtik I: The founder of the dynasty, known for his successful military campaigns and for his role in reviving the Egyptian economy and culture.
  • Necho II: Known for his ambitious construction projects and for his attempts to conquer the Levant.

• Dynasty 27 (c. 525-404 BCE): This dynasty saw the rule of the Persians, who conquered Egypt under Cambyses II. The Persians maintained control over Egypt for over a century.

• Dynasty 28 (c. 404-399 BCE): This dynasty was short-lived, with Amyrtaeus ruling for only five years before being overthrown by the Persians.

• Dynasty 29 (c. 399-380 BCE): This dynasty saw a brief period of independence from Persia, with Nepherites I restoring Egyptian rule.

• Dynasty 30 (c. 380-343 BCE): This dynasty saw another period of Egyptian independence, with Nectanebo I leading the country to a period of prosperity.

• Dynasty 31 (c. 343-332 BCE): This dynasty saw the final reign of the native Egyptian pharaohs, with Nectanebo II ruling until the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE.

Ptolemaic Kingdom (c. 305-30 BCE)

• Ptolemy I Soter (c. 305-283 BCE): The founder of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, a dynasty of Greek rulers who controlled Egypt after Alexander the Great's death.
• Cleopatra VII Philopator (c. 51-30 BCE): The last pharaoh of Egypt, known for her relationship with Roman general Mark Antony and her tragic defeat at the hands of Octavian (later Augustus Caesar).

The legacy of the pharaohs lives on. Their pyramids, temples, and tombs stand as testaments to their power and ambition, while their stories continue to capture our imagination. This list offers a glimpse into their lives and reigns, reminding us of the incredible complexity and enduring influence of ancient Egypt.