Pharaoh: King of Egypt

Beautifully illustrated with objects from the British Museum’s collection, Pharaoh: King of Egypt explores the ideals and realities of kingship in ancient Egypt, from the eraliest rulers who unified peoples along the Nile to the Roman emperors who governed and conquered Egypt. This book investigates the three main roles of the pharaoh – as head of state, as chief priest and as commander of the army.

Examples of large-scale sculptures, jewellery, tiles and bronze figurines examine the well-crafted, official image of the pharaohs, while papyri, weapons and letters expose the more complicated world of ancient kingship and reveal the unique individuals who led the throne, including women, foreigners and usurpers.

Margaret Maitland is an Egyptologist. Senior Curator of Ancient Egypt & the Ancient Mediterranean at National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh.