Egyptian pharaohs claim to be descended from the Egyptian god of the sun, whose name is ... ?

Ancient Egyptian pharaohs held immense power, not just politically or militarily, but also spiritually. Central to their authority was the belief that they were not merely human rulers, but living gods themselves, directly descended from the most powerful deity in the Egyptian pantheon. This divine lineage was crucial for legitimizing their rule and maintaining order in the kingdom. The god whose name they invoked as their divine ancestor was Ra.

Ra was revered as the creator of all life, responsible for the daily rising and setting of the sun, which brought light, warmth, and sustenance to Egypt. He was often depicted with the head of a falcon, crowned with a sun disk encircled by a cobra, symbolizing his supreme power. As the ultimate source of creation and cosmic order, his connection to the pharaohs elevated them to an unparalleled status.

Pharaohs were often referred to as "Sons of Ra," a title that underscored their sacred role as intermediaries between humanity and the divine. This meant the pharaoh was not just a king but a living manifestation of the cosmic order, ensuring the prosperity and stability of Egypt through his unique divine connection. Their sacred duty included maintaining *ma'at*, the cosmic balance and justice, a task made possible by their direct relationship with the sun god.

This deep-seated belief in the pharaoh's divine ancestry from Ra permeated every aspect of ancient Egyptian society, solidifying their absolute authority for millennia. Temples were built in his honor, and elaborate rituals were performed to ensure his daily journey across the sky and through the underworld, guaranteeing the sun's return each morning and, by extension, the continued prosperity of Egypt.