The Last Pharaoh of Egypt: How Their Rule Ended

The Last Pharaoh of Egypt: How Their Rule Ended

Ancient Egypt is well-known for its huge pyramids, long-lasting civilization, and powerful pharaohs. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs ruled Egypt as queens and kings believed to be chosen by the gods. However, the rule of pharaohs came to an end like all other civilizations. Many people ask questions like:

• Who was the last pharaoh of Egypt
• How did the Pharaohs end?
• Why was Cleopatra the last pharaoh?

This blog answers all of these questions in detail.

Who Was the Last Pharaoh of Egypt?

Cleopatra VII was the last known pharaoh of Egypt, also called Cleopatra. From 51 BC to 30 BC, she ruled Egypt. She was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, which was considered the last dynasty to govern Egypt before it became the part of the Roman Empire.

In 30 BC, Cleopatra died, and pharaoh’s rule came to an end. It became a Roman province under Emperor Augustus. With this, ancient Egyptian rule came to its end.

According to many historians, Cleopatra VII was the last true pharaoh as she ruled Egypt followed many Egyptian traditions. She spoke the Egyptian language and presented herself as a goddess, and ruled as a pharaoh. However, some historians believe that the last native Egyptian pharaoh was Nectanebo II who ruled until 343 BC.

So:

• Last native Egyptian pharaoh: Nectanebo II
• Last ruling pharaoh overall: Cleopatra VII

Why Was Cleopatra the Last Pharaoh?

Because of Rome’s growing power, Cleopatra became the last pharaoh. When she was ruling Egypt, Rome was considered the strong force in the Mediterranean world. Although Egypt is still wealthy, it could not compete with Roman military strength.

She tried to provide protection to Egypt by forming alliances with powerful Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony. With these relations, she stayed in power for some time, but they also tried to pull Egypt deeper into Roman politics.

When Octavian defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, their power collapsed. When they died, Rome took control over Egypt. Since Rome did not allow local rulers to rule Egypt as pharaohs, and with this, Cleopatra became the last pharaoh.

How Did the Pharaohs End?

The end of the pharaoh was not a sudden incident.

Here are the main reasons:

1. Foreign Invasions
   Many strong empires like Persians, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans attacked Egypt many times. With each attack, Egypt became less independent.
2. Loss of Native Rule
   After Nectanebo II, Egypt was mostly ruled by foreigners. Even the Ptolemies, including Cleopatra, were of Greek origin.
3. Roman Control
   Rome wanted Egypt mainly for its grain supply. Once Rome took over, Egypt was ruled by Roman governors, not pharaohs.
4. Changing Beliefs and Politics
   After some time, people stopped considering pharaohs as God-kings. Ancient Egyptian traditions were replaced by Roman systems and laws.

Together, these factors brought an end to more than 3,000 years of pharaonic rule.

Despite her efforts, Cleopatra could not stop Roman expansion. After her death, Egypt officially became part of the Roman Empire, and the age of the pharaohs ended forever.

Conclusion

After thousands of years, the rule of pharaohs came to an end just because of political weakness and the rise of Roman power. Cleopatra VII was the last pharaoh of Egypt as she was the last ruler to rule the Egypt in traditional pharaonic role. When she died, Egypt became the part of Roman empire, and the ancient system of pharaoh disappeared completely. Although the era ended, the legacy of the pharaohs continues to influence history, culture, and human imagination even today.

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