The meaning of the word Pharaoh for the ancient Egyptians meant much more than the ruler

The meaning of the word Pharaoh in most Russian explanatory dictionaries is explained in this way - this is the title of ancient Egyptian rulers or persons possessing royal opportunities.

Origin of the term

The ancient Egyptians did not want to name the real name of the king. It was sacred to them. In their opinion, if a person pronounces the name of his ruler, that will be harmed. The words released to the wind could have affected the king. As a malefice or corruption. Therefore, instead of the name they called their ruler per-oh, which in translation from Egypt meant "big house" or "royal palace". Gradually the word was paraphrased and in the Old Testament it was already written in the form that is known in our days. This happened around the 16th century BC. It was from this time that the term "pharaoh" began to designate the Egyptian ruler himself.

Who was he for his people?

The meaning of the word "Pharaoh" for the Egyptians was sacred. Knowingly, afraid of harming him, they did not call the real name. The figure of the Tsar himself was for them an image that remained incomprehensible, mysterious, majestic and residing in the mystical world. According to historical chronicles, many pharaohs were very democratic people, caring about their people.

In fact, the Egyptians were very devout and believed that the gods once lived on earth. Seth, Osiris, Amon Ra, Horus - all of them were among the people, and now they have moved away because of the great fall of mankind. To observe and reign left one living god. Perhaps, therefore, the meaning of the word "pharaoh" and the image of such a person were sacred to them.

The Origin of a Wrong Opinion

The image of the boundless ruler, despot and master of other people's destinies was appropriated by Europeans. Gradually penetrating deeper into the history of Ancient Egypt, historians and archaeologists did wrong hasty conclusions about what the word "pharaoh" means for the Egyptians. He was attributed many sins, unusual to the ruler so adored by his people:

• Tyranny;
• Bullying;
• Execution.

The period of close study, as well as the plundering of tombs, was the end of the XIX - the beginning of the XX century. The revolutions and wars that occurred in most European countries contributed to the active opening of the buried tombs. Taking advantage of the general confusion, chaos and confusion, the attackers took out of the country a lot of material and historical values.

The image of the ruler

The meaning of the word "pharaoh" for the Egyptians can be determined by looking at the ancient images made in caves and pyramids. His figure is always slightly higher than others, which emphasizes superiority. Pharaoh was considered the son of the sun god Ra, who is able to penetrate everywhere along with the rays of light. He could look into every house, anywhere in the country and see what the subjects are doing.

The appearance of the king singled him out of the crowd. His head everywhere, even in the family circle, was covered with a wig: a formal or everyday. A diadem was put on top - a headdress with a golden cobra, towering above it. It was traditional for ancient Egypt loincloth, which from the subject of ordinary people's wardrobe was different in texture and material: it was corrugated. To the belt was attached a trapezoid apron made of precious metals.

Apparel of gold and jewelry sometimes weighed several kilograms, but it was worth it. For the subordinates, the graceful and majestic appearance of the ruler was of great importance. The words: "Pharaoh" and "God" were for them approximately equal in importance, therefore these two concepts have always been identified.

Dynasty rulers

In the 4th millennium BC in the territory of Ancient Egypt there were 42 independent states called "nomas". Approximately in 3000 BC, the ruler of Upper Egypt conquered the Lower and thereby created one state. The list of the pharaohs begins precisely with him, although prior to this event the preceding rulers were called similarly.

In total, 31 ruling dynasties are known in history, some of them on the throne only a few months, or even days. The complete list of pharaohs is unknown, but several should be singled out. Their period of government was marked for the state by significant events:

• Amenhotep;
• Cheops;
• Khafre;
• Menkaure;
• Mentuhotep;
• Menes;
• Joser;
• Chefren;
• Ahmose;
• Hatshepsut;
• Akhenaten;
• Ramesses.

It is worth noting that the board of each of them is distinguished by a certain contribution. Some built pyramids, others paid special attention to the development of geometry, while others expanded the boundaries of their possessions by conquering neighboring territories.

Despite the fact that the ancient Egyptian pharaohs lived a very long time, their figures left a deep mark in history. The image of thinking, the way of life, the great deeds and noble deeds of these kings will be discussed for a long time in the lessons of history.