In ancient Egypt, the institute of kingship held a primary position, serving as the foundation of societal organization and religious belief. From the grandeur of the Old Kingdom to the political uproars of the New Kingdom, the role of the pharaoh underwent a great transformation that was influenced by shifting foreign policies, societal dynamics, and religious ideologies. During the Old Kingdom, the pharaoh was revered as a divine ruler, embodying the authority of gods on earth as seen from the pyramid and coffin texts. In the Middle Kingdom, with the reunification of the kingdom from the first intermediate period, which lasted from 2198-1938 BCE dynasties 7-11(Hornung, XV), under the rule of the pharaohs of the Eleventh Dynasty, a new era …show more content…
The cult of the pharaoh had reached new heights during this time, with temples and monuments erected throughout the kingdom to honor the divine ruler, such as the ones under the Ramesses. The pharaoh’s link with the gods became even more visible in rituals and ceremonies that were carried out by the priesthood. This once again confirmed his role as divine mediator. The New Kingdom also experienced fresh military expansions and territorial seizures, especially when strong pharaohs like Tuthmose III and Ramesses II ruled. These campaigns not only enlarged Egypt’s borders but also made the pharaoh look glorious as a powerful warrior and guardian of the kingdom who would smite the “others”. The divine mandate was reinforced through monumental construction projects, such as additions being made to the temples of Karnak and Luxor, which served as symbols of the pharaoh’s power and divine favor (Cohen, Lecture, March 26). Ultimately, the New Kingdom period represented the height of Egyptian power and influence, characterized by significant political, religious, and cultural