Egyptian history is measured by dynasties - how long a family ruled for. Rulers of Egypt were called pharaohs, the only country to call them this. Since Egypt has a history that goes back more than seven thousand years the list of pharaohs is long. Here are a few of the more interesting ones:
Hatshepsut (1473 - 1458 BC) 4j6j1o
One of only a few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut who was the first wife Thutmose II. After Thutmose's death, his son, Thutmose III, (by a minor wife) was named the heir. Because the boy was so young, Hatshepsut ruled with him until she declared herself pharaoh. She claimed the god Amon-Ra said she was to be pharaoh. Dressed not as a lady, but in men's clothes, Hatshepsut took charge of the nation and had the of the high priest and other officials. For 20 years she ruled Egypt and during that time the economy was great. She started trading with more countries, built impressive temples and restored many others. One of these magnificent buildings was the temple at Deir el Bahari. Hatshepsut disappeared after Thutmose III reclaimed the throne, and what became of her is a mystery.
Thutmose III (1479 - 1425 BC) 1p5s3f
Thutmose III might be responsible for the New York, one in Rome and another in Istanbul. (Obviously he didn't build them in these locations, they were excavated and moved centuries later).
Tutankhamen (1336 - 1327 BC) 1b6p4u
At the age of nine Tutankhamen (Tutankhamun) became pharaoh. King Tut, as a lot of people call him, was too young to rule Egypt so his uncle Ay, who was the highest minister, ruled for him while he was a boy. Tut married Ankhsenoomun. Tutankhamen died at 18. His body was found with his skull bashed in. It is thought that Ay may have had something to do with the sudden and mysterious death. Only a person of great importance could get near enough to harm him, one of them would have been Ay. Ay married Tut's widow (who is also a suspect in Tut's murder), despite being her grandfather, so that he could have power.
Ramesses II (1279 - 1213 BC) 5v515m
Ramesses II was one of the longest ruling pharaohs of ancient Egypt. He was called ladies man. He had over a dozen wives and more than 100 children.
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