Names Of Kings Of Egypt: A Comprehensive List Of Pharaohs Throughout History

The history of ancient Egypt is filled with the stories of powerful kings who ruled over the land for centuries. These pharaohs, as they were known, were not only political leaders, but also religious figures and embodiments of divine power. Their names hold a certain mystique and fascination, as they represent the embodiment of authority and splendor.

From the legendary King Menes, who united Upper and Lower Egypt and established the first dynasty, to the famous King Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, the pharaohs of Egypt left an indelible mark on the history of civilization. Their names evoke images of grandeur, conquest, and opulence.

Some of the most well-known pharaohs include Ramses II, who reigned during the height of Egyptian power and constructed numerous monumental structures, and Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and one of the most iconic figures in history. Each pharaoh brought their own unique legacy to the throne, leaving a lasting impact on Egypt and the world.

Join us on a journey through time as we explore the names of the kings of Egypt, from the ancient dynasties to the Hellenistic period. Discover the stories behind their reigns, their triumphs and failures, and the architectural wonders they left behind. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Egypt as we delve into the lives of these legendary rulers.

Names of Kings of Egypt

Ancient Egypt was ruled by a long line of pharaohs, each with their own unique name and reign. These kings, also known as the rulers of Upper and Lower Egypt, held great significance and power in Egyptian society. Here is a comprehensive list of the names of kings of Egypt throughout history:

1. Narmer
2. Aha
3. Djer
4. Djet
5. Den
6. Anedjib
7. Semerkhet
8. Qa’a
9. Horus Bird
10. Horus Crocodile
11. Ka
12. Scorpion I
13. Scorpion II
14. Men
15. Wadj
16. Merytiotes
17. Weneg
18. Sen
19. Neferkara I
20. Neferkasokar
21. Hudjefa I
22. Qahedjet
23. Hedjet
24. Ba
25. Nubnefer
26. Khasekhem
27. Neferkara II
28. Khasekhemre Neferhotep I
29. Sneferka
30. Egyptian Philistine
31. Merneferre Ay
32. Mentuhotep₆
33. Predynastic pharaohs (1st dynasty)
34. Automobile Line
35. Inklnum
36. Benanel
37. Pen
38. Finger
39. Gado
40. Achaemenes I
41. Achaemenes II
42. Achaemenes III
43. Achaemenes IV
44. Achaemenes V

This is just a short selection of the many pharaohs who ruled Egypt. Each king had their own unique influence on the country and its people, leaving a lasting legacy that is still studied and appreciated today.

A Comprehensive List of Pharaohs Throughout History

Egypt, a land steeped in ancient history, was ruled by a succession of pharaohs for thousands of years. These powerful leaders held sway over the land and its people, guiding Egypt through times of peace and prosperity and times of chaos and upheaval. Here, we present a comprehensive list of pharaohs who ruled over this storied land throughout its long and storied history.

Old Kingdom (circa 2686–2181 BC)

1. Pharaoh Narmer
2. Pharaoh Djoser
3. Pharaoh Sneferu
4. Pharaoh Khufu
5. Pharaoh Djedefre

First Intermediate Period (circa 2181–2055 BC)

• Pharaoh Mentuhotep II
• Pharaoh Nehesy
• Pharaoh Amenemhat I

Middle Kingdom (circa 2055–1650 BC)

1. Pharaoh Senusret I
2. Pharaoh Amenemhat II
3. Pharaoh Senusret III
4. Pharaoh Amenemhat III
5. Pharaoh Amenemhat IV

Second Intermediate Period (circa 1650–1550 BC)

• Pharaoh Ahmose I
• Pharaoh Amenhotep I
• Pharaoh Thutmose I

New Kingdom (circa 1550–1069 BC)

1. Pharaoh Hatshepsut
2. Pharaoh Akhenaten
3. Pharaoh Tutankhamun
4. Pharaoh Ramesses II
5. Pharaoh Ramesses III

Third Intermediate Period (circa 1069–664 BC)

• Pharaoh Shoshenq I
• Pharaoh Osorkon II
• Pharaoh Taharqa

Late Period (circa 664–332 BC)

1. Pharaoh Necho II
2. Pharaoh Psamtik II
3. Pharaoh Ahmose II
4. Pharaoh Darius I
5. Pharaoh Nectanebo II

Ptolemaic Period (circa 332–30 BC)

• Pharaoh Ptolemy I Soter
• Pharaoh Cleopatra VII

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a comprehensive overview of some of the more notable pharaohs who ruled over Egypt throughout its long and storied history. Each of these pharaohs left their mark on the land and its people, ensuring their place in the annals of Egyptian history.

Ancient Pharaohs of Egypt

Egypt, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, was ruled by a long line of powerful pharaohs. These ancient Egyptian rulers held great power and were considered semi-divine figures. They were not only political leaders but also the religious and cultural heads of their society.

The earliest known pharaohs ruled during the Early Dynastic Period (around 3100-2686 BC). Narmer, who is believed to be the first pharaoh of Egypt, unified the Upper and Lower Egypt and established the capital at Memphis.

During the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC), the pharaohs built monumental pyramids as tombs for themselves, such as the famous Great Pyramid of Giza built by Pharaoh Khufu. Some notable pharaohs of this period include Djoser, Sneferu, and Pepi II.

The Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BC) saw a period of stability and revival after the collapse of the Old Kingdom. Pharaohs like Mentuhotep II, Amenemhat I, and Senusret III ruled during this period and brought back stability and prosperity to Egypt.

The New Kingdom (1550-1077 BC) was a time of great power and expansion for Egypt. Pharaohs like Ahmose I, Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Ramesses II ruled during this period. This era saw the rise of Egypt as a major superpower in the ancient world.

Other important pharaohs throughout Egypt’s history include Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, who introduced a revolutionary religious shift to worship Aten, the sun god, briefly changing Egypt’s polytheistic religion to monotheism.

Pharaoh Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, became famous due to the discovery of his largely intact burial chamber in 1922, which provided valuable insights into the life and treasures of an ancient pharaoh.

Throughout its long and rich history, Egypt was ruled by numerous pharaohs who left behind a lasting legacy of monumental architecture, religious practices, and cultural achievements.

Early Dynastic Period

The Early Dynastic Period of ancient Egypt was a time of great political and cultural development. It was during this period that the first pharaohs unified the various regions of Egypt and established the foundations of a centralized state.

The Early Dynastic Period is divided into two main dynasties, known as the Archaic Period (Dynasties 0-1) and the Old Kingdom (Dynasties 2-3). During this time, the pharaohs of Egypt were known for their divine status and absolute power over the land.

Notable pharaohs of the Early Dynastic Period include Narmer, who is believed to have been the first pharaoh of unified Egypt. Narmer is often depicted wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolizing his dominion over both regions.

Another important ruler of this period was Djoser, who commissioned the construction of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, the first pyramid in Egypt. Djoser’s reign marked a significant advancement in the field of architecture and his pyramid complex served as a blueprint for future pharaonic tombs.

Overall, the Early Dynastic Period laid the groundwork for the prosperous and powerful civilization that Egypt would become in the following centuries. The accomplishments and innovations of the pharaohs during this era set the stage for the greatness of ancient Egypt.

Old Kingdom Pharaohs

The Old Kingdom of Egypt, also known as the Pyramid Age, is considered a high point in ancient Egyptian civilization. During this period, a succession of pharaohs ruled over Egypt, building impressive pyramids as their tombs. Here is a list of some of the notable pharaohs of the Old Kingdom:

• Pharaoh Djoser: Djoser, also known as Netjerikhet, was the first ruler of the Third Dynasty. He commissioned the construction of the Step Pyramid, the first monumental stone structure in Egypt.
• Pharaoh Sneferu: Sneferu was a pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty and the father of Khufu, who later built the Great Pyramid of Giza. Sneferu himself built several pyramids, including the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
• Pharaoh Khufu: Khufu, also known as Cheops, is best known for commissioning the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest pyramid in Egypt. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Pharaoh Khafre: Khafre was the son of Khufu and the builder of the second-largest pyramid at Giza, known as the Pyramid of Khafre. He is also famous for the Great Sphinx, which has his face.
• Pharaoh Menkaure: Menkaure was the son of Khafre and the builder of the smallest of the three pyramids at Giza, known as the Pyramid of Menkaure. His pyramid is notable for its elaborate mortuary temple.

These are just a few examples of the many pharaohs who ruled during the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Their pyramids and monuments continue to fascinate historians and archaeologists, providing valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian civilization.

Middle Kingdom Pharaohs

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt, also known as the Period of Reunification, spanned from approximately 2055 to 1650 BC. During this time, several powerful pharaohs ruled over Egypt. Here are some of the notable pharaohs from the Middle Kingdom:

These pharaohs played a significant role in shaping the Middle Kingdom period, with achievements ranging from political stability to architectural feats. Their reigns marked a golden era of prosperity and cultural advancement in ancient Egypt.

New Kingdom Pharaohs

The New Kingdom of Egypt, also known as the Egyptian Empire, was a period of immense wealth and power in ancient Egyptian history. During this time, many great pharaohs ruled over Egypt, shaping its destiny and leaving a lasting legacy.

Here is a comprehensive list of the New Kingdom pharaohs:

These pharaohs played a significant role in Egyptian history and their reigns marked a golden era for the kingdom.

Pharaohs of the Late Period

The Late Period of ancient Egypt spanned from the 7th century BCE to the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE. During this period, Egypt experienced political instability and foreign invasions, resulting in the decline of central authority and the weakening of pharaonic power.

Despite the challenges, several pharaohs emerged during the Late Period, each leaving their own mark on Egyptian history:

• Petubastis III (828–805 BCE): He was the pharaoh of the 23rd Dynasty and faced threats from the Assyrians.
• Tutankhamun (1332–1323 BCE): Although famous for his tomb, Tutankhamun became pharaoh at a young age and restored traditional Egyptian religion after his predecessor’s reforms.
• Neferneferuaten (1336–1332 BCE): Also known as Queen Nefertiti, she ruled alongside her husband, Akhenaten, and continued his religious reforms.
• Psamtik I (664–610 BCE): He founded the 26th Dynasty and brought stability to Egypt through alliances and military campaigns.
• Necho II (610–595 BCE): As the son of Psamtik I, he continued his father’s policies and aimed to expand Egyptian territory through his navy.
• Ahmosis II (570–526 BCE): He was the last pharaoh of the 26th Dynasty and faced the increasing control of the Persians in Egypt.

These pharaohs of the Late Period played pivotal roles in shaping Egypt’s history during a time of great change and external pressures.

Ptolemaic Dynasty

The Ptolemaic Dynasty was a Hellenistic dynasty that ruled Egypt from 305 BC to 30 BC. It was founded by Ptolemy I Soter, a general under Alexander the Great, who became the ruler of Egypt after Alexander’s death. The dynasty lasted for nearly 300 years, and its rulers were descended from Ptolemy I and his wife, Arsinoe I.

During their rule, the Ptolemies implemented Greek customs and traditions in Egypt, but also adopted many Egyptian customs and deities. They created a capital city, Alexandria, which became a center of culture and learning in the ancient world.

Some of the most famous rulers of the Ptolemaic Dynasty include Cleopatra VII, who famously had relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and Ptolemy XIII, who ruled alongside Cleopatra and later became her rival.

The dynasty faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including revolts by the native Egyptian population and power struggles among its rulers. It eventually came to an end with the death of Cleopatra VII and the annexation of Egypt by the Roman Empire.

Below is a table listing the Pharaohs of the Ptolemaic Dynasty: