Egypt's first ruler was King Narmer, who united the country in about 3,100 B.C.. Later pharaohs such as Zoser and Khufu are remembered for the great pyramids they had built as their tombs.
Pharaohs usually succeeded to the throne through royal birth. However, in some cases military commanders such as Horemheb came to power. Although Egypt's ruler were traditionally men, a few women were made pharaoh. The most famous of these in the Greek queen Cleopatra VII, who ruled Egypt in 51 B.C.
 |
| Khafra (reigned 2558 - 2532 B.C.) Khafra was the son of the pharaoh Khufu.He is remembered for his splendid tomb, the Second Pyramid at Giza and the Great Sphinx that guards it. |
 |
| Amenhotep I (reigned 1525-1504 B.C.) The pharaoh Amenhotep I led the Egyptian army to battle in Nubia.He also founded the workmen's village at Deir el-Medina. |
 |
| Hatshepsut (reigned 1498-1483 B.C.) Hatshepsut has de half-sister and wife of Thutmose II.When her husband died, she was appointed to rule Egypt until her young stepson Thutmose III was old enough. However Queen Hatshepsut was ambitious and had herself crowned pharaoh.Hatshepsut is famous for her traiding expeditions to the land of Punt. The walls of her temple at Deir el-Bahri show these exotic tips |
 |
| Thutmose III (reigned 1479-1425 B.C.) Thutmose III is remembered as a brave warrior king He launched many military campaigns against the Syrians in the Near East. Records from the time tell of Thutmose marching fearlessly into battle at the head of his army, unconcerned about his own safety.He won a famous victory at Megiddo and then later al Kadesh. Thutmose III was buried in the valley of the Kings |
 |
| Tutankhamun (reigned 1334-1325 B.C.) This pharaoh came to the throne when he was only nine years old. He died at the age of 18. Tutankhamun is remembered for his tomb in the Valley of the Kings, wich was packed with amathing treasure. |
 |
| Ankhenaten (reigned 1379-1334 B.C.) The egyptians believed in many gods. However, when Anhenaten came to power, he introduced worship of one god, the Sun disc Aten. he moved the capital from Memphis to Akhetaten (now known as el-Amarna). His chief wife was the beautiful Queen Nefertiti |
 |
| Ramsses II (reigned 1279-1212 B.C.) One of the most famous pharaohs of all Ramsses II, was the son of Seti I. He buitl many fine temples and defeated the Hittites at the battle of Kadesh in 1274 B.C. The chief queen of Ramsses was Nefertari. Carvings of this beautiful queen can be seen on Ramsses II's temple at Abu Simbel. Ramsses lived a long life and died at the age of 92. He was buried in the Valley of the Kings. |
