Role in Religion
Traditionally, the Pharaoh was believed to have both human and divine powers as the link between the gods and the people of Egypt. Whilst on earth, the Pharaoh was referred to as the God Horus, and in the afterlife he became the God Osiris. A major part of the Pharaoh's role was to maintain a close relationship with the Gods in order to control the flooding of the Nile, and hence ensure the prosperity of the land and the good fortune of Egypt.
In depicting themselves as having a special connection with the gods, the Pharaoh and his decisions were given credibility and merit.
To emphasise their great level of involvement in religion, the Pharaohs honoured the gods through their building projects and were depicted with the gods in reliefs. The Pharaoh also had great involvement in religious celebrations such as feasts, festivals and processions. Seti I had a large role in strengthening 'The Cult of the Pharaoh' which enforced the belief that the Pharaoh's and the Egyptian gods were of equal importance.
Specific to the Pharaoh's succeeding Akhenaten was the duty of restoring faith in the traditional God's of Egypt, whom Akhenaten had cast aside in favour of a monotheistic religion worshipping only the Aten.
In depicting themselves as having a special connection with the gods, the Pharaoh and his decisions were given credibility and merit.
To emphasise their great level of involvement in religion, the Pharaohs honoured the gods through their building projects and were depicted with the gods in reliefs. The Pharaoh also had great involvement in religious celebrations such as feasts, festivals and processions. Seti I had a large role in strengthening 'The Cult of the Pharaoh' which enforced the belief that the Pharaoh's and the Egyptian gods were of equal importance.
Specific to the Pharaoh's succeeding Akhenaten was the duty of restoring faith in the traditional God's of Egypt, whom Akhenaten had cast aside in favour of a monotheistic religion worshipping only the Aten.