Egypt, a land steeped in history, has been ruled by numerous kings and rulers throughout the Millennium.

1. Narmer (c. 3100 BCE)

Considered the first pharaoh of Egypt, Narmer unified Upper and Lower Egypt, establishing the first dynasty. His symbolic unification is depicted in the famous Narmer Palette, showcasing the merging of the two crowns, a momentous event in ancient Egyptian history.

2. Djoser (2737 – 2717 BCE)

 King Djoser is the founder of the third family and was the first Egyptian king to delegate a pyramid. The Pyramid of Djoser is his most important Building, where six rectangular pieces in squares and stacked on top of each other. The statue of Djoser, now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, is the oldest known life-size Egyptian statue.

3. Khufu  (2575–2465 BCE)

 Second king of the 4th dynasty, and builder of the Great Pyramid at Giza.

4. Khafre (2575– 2465 BCE)

Fourth king of the 4th dynasty, Khafre was the son of King Khufu and builder of the second of the three Pyramids of Giza.

5. Menkaure (2575–2465 BCE) 

 Fifth king f the 4th dynasty , he built the third and smallest of the three Pyramids of Giza.

6. Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BCE)

Hatshepsut, one of the most powerful female pharaohs, ruled during the 18th dynasty. Known for her ambitious building projects and trade expeditions, she expanded Egypt’s wealth and influence. Her mortuary temple, Deir el-Bahari, is a testament to her architectural prowess.

7. Akhenaten (1353–1336 BCE)

Amenhotep IV changed his name to Akhenaten and defied tradition by establishing a new religion that believed that there is but one god; the sun god Aten. He moved his capital from Thebes to a place now called Tell el-Amarna or Amarna

8. Tutankhamun (1332–1323 BCE)

Though his reign was short-lived, Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered nearly intact in the Valley of the Kings, unveiled a treasure trove of artifacts. His golden burial mask has become an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt, captivating the world with its exquisite craftsmanship.

9. Ramesses II (1279–1213 BCE)

Often referred to as Ramesses the Great, he was the third pharaoh of the 19th dynasty. Ramesses II was a prolific builder, responsible for grand structures like the Ramesseum and the temples of Abu Simbel. His military campaigns and diplomatic efforts solidified Egypt’s dominance in the ancient world.

10. Cleopatra VII (51–30 BCE)

The last pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra VII, is renowned for her intelligence and political acumen. Her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony shaped the course of history. Cleopatra’s story continues to captivate imaginations, inspiring countless works of art and literature.

11. Ptolemy I Soter (305–282 BCE)

Following Alexander the Great’s conquest, Ptolemy I Soter established the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. A wise and pragmatic ruler, he laid the foundation for the famed Library of Alexandria, a beacon of knowledge in the ancient world.