The pharaoh was the political, religious, and military leader of ancient Egypt, holding the title 'Lord of the Two Lands.'

Egyptian ideology held that the living pharaoh was the earthly incarnation of the god Horus.

Upon death, the pharaoh was believed to become one with Osiris, the god of the underworld.

The pharaoh's main duty was to maintain 'Ma'at,' the divine order of justice, truth, and harmony.

Royal regalia, such as the double crown (representing unified Egypt) and the crook and flail, symbolized the pharaoh's power.

The pharaoh was the high priest of every temple, and religious rituals were performed in his name.

Succession was ideally passed from father to son, often born to the 'Great Royal Wife.'

A vast bureaucracy of officials, led by the vizier, was responsible for administering the pharaoh's decrees.

The power and divinity of the pharaoh were reinforced through monumental architecture and sculpture.

The concept of divine kingship was a central feature of Egyptian civilization for nearly 3,000 years.