The Pharaoh

In ancient Egypt, the king was absolute ruler, high priest, and military commander in chief. He is frequently shown in battle

And always victorious over his enemies,

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Even though some kings died in battle.

The words of the pharaoh when spoken, as written and interpreted by the king’s officials, were the only body of law in ancient Egypt. No other codes of law independent of the pharaoh are known to

The Great Temple of Ramses II, located in Nubia.

In ancient Egypt, the king was absolute ruler, high priest, and military commander-in-chief. Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, is one of Egypt's most famous pharaohs. His sixty-seven-year reign was a time of great prosperity.

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Have existed. All officials governed in the king’s name and only by his authority.

As high priest, the king was believed to be the only human who could comunicate directly with the gods, and therefore was the only one suited to perform certain rites and ceremonies.

Throughout the history of ancient Egypt, there were challenges to the king’s authority, especially at times when the king’s power was reduced and the central government was weakened or deteriorated completely.