The Most Famous Ancient Egyptian, Ranked

Choose the Ancient Egyptian you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 22, 2024 07:30
Throughout the corridors of time, the legacies of Ancient Egypt's luminaries still light our modern understanding of early civilizations. These figures, from powerful pharaohs to ingenious architects, played pivotal roles in shaping a society that continues to fascinate historians and laypeople alike. By ranking these historical figures, we connect more deeply with their stories and the monumental contributions they made to both their world and ours. This dynamic ranking serves as a tool for education and engagement, allowing you to have a say in assessing the impact of these ancient leaders. As you participate, you contribute to a collective assessment that helps others see which figures have resonated the most across time. Your votes help paint a clearer picture of whose influence burns brightest in the annals of history.

Who Is the Most Famous Ancient Egyptian?

  1. 1
    25
    points
    Tutankhamun

    Tutankhamun

    An Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, ruled c. 1332–1323 BC. Known for his intact tomb discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922.
    • Reign: c. 1332–1323 BC
    • Dynasty: 18th Dynasty
    • Known for: His nearly intact tomb
  2. 2
    20
    points
    Hatshepsut

    Hatshepsut

    The fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. She was one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty.
    • Reign: 1478–1458 BC
    • Dynasty: 18th Dynasty
    • Known for: Being one of the most successful female pharaohs
  3. 3
    18
    points
    Ramses II

    Ramses II

    Also known as Ramses the Great, he was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt and is often regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom.
    • Reign: 1279–1213 BC
    • Dynasty: 19th Dynasty
    • Known for: His extensive building projects and military campaigns
  4. 4
    14
    points
    Akhenaten

    Akhenaten

    A pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who is noted for abandoning traditional Egyptian polytheism and introducing worship centered on the Aten.
    • Reign: c. 1353–1336 BC
    • Dynasty: 18th Dynasty
    • Known for: Introducing monotheism
  5. 5
    9
    points
    Nefertiti

    Nefertiti

    The Great Royal Wife of Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten, she and her husband were known for a religious revolution, in which they worshiped one god only, Aten, or the sun disc.
    • Reign: c. 1353–1336 BC
    • Dynasty: 18th Dynasty
    • Known for: Her beauty and role in the religious revolution
  6. 6
    8
    points
    Khufu

    Khufu

    The second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, known for commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
    • Reign: c. 2589–2566 BC
    • Dynasty: 4th Dynasty
    • Known for: Commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza
  7. 7
    7
    points
    Amenhotep III

    Amenhotep III

    A pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty who ruled Egypt at the height of its power and prosperity. His reign was a period of unprecedented prosperity and artistic splendour.
    • Reign: 1386–1349 BC
    • Dynasty: 18th Dynasty
    • Known for: His reign marked the peak of Egypt's artistic and international power
  8. 8
    1
    points
    Thutmose III

    Thutmose III

    The sixth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. During the first 22 years of Thutmose's reign, he was co-regent with his stepmother and aunt, Hatshepsut. He is often referred to as the Napoleon of Egypt.
    • Reign: 1479–1425 BC
    • Dynasty: 18th Dynasty
    • Known for: His military achievements
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Cleopatra VII

    Cleopatra VII

    The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, known for her relationships with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
    • Reign: 51–30 BC
    • Dynasty: Ptolemaic Dynasty
    • Known for: Her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Sneferu

    Sneferu

    The founder of the Fourth Dynasty, known for building at least three pyramids that survived to modern times and for setting the stage for the Old Kingdom period.
    • Reign: c. 2613–2589 BC
    • Dynasty: 4th Dynasty
    • Known for: His innovations in pyramid building

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Ancient Egyptian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Ancient Egyptian is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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  • 102 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Ancient Egyptian once every 24 hours. The rank of each Ancient Egyptian is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Ancient Egyptian

Tutankhamun
Rank #1 for the most famous Ancient Egyptian: Tutankhamun (Source)
Ancient Egypt has fascinated people for centuries. This civilization thrived along the Nile River. It left behind pyramids, temples, and tombs. The people of Ancient Egypt believed in many gods. They built grand structures to honor them. Their society was complex and advanced for its time.

Pharaohs ruled Ancient Egypt. They were both kings and gods. They held immense power and were central to the culture. The people believed the pharaohs were chosen by the gods. They had the duty to maintain order and harmony. This concept was known as Ma'at. Pharaohs led the army, oversaw religious rituals, and managed the land.

The pyramids are the most iconic symbols of Ancient Egypt. These structures were tombs for the pharaohs. They believed in an afterlife. The pyramids were built to ensure the pharaohs' safe journey to the next world. The construction of these monuments required great skill and labor. Workers used simple tools but achieved remarkable precision.

Hieroglyphics were the writing system of Ancient Egypt. These symbols represented sounds and ideas. Scribes were trained to read and write hieroglyphics. They recorded important events, religious texts, and administrative details. This writing system was crucial for maintaining the civilization.

Religion played a vital role in Ancient Egyptian life. They worshipped many gods and goddesses. Each deity had specific attributes and responsibilities. Temples were built to honor these gods. Priests performed rituals to gain favor from the deities. The people believed these rituals ensured the Nile would flood and provide fertile land.

Art and architecture flourished in Ancient Egypt. They created detailed sculptures, paintings, and carvings. These works depicted gods, pharaohs, and daily life. The art was symbolic and followed strict conventions. It was not meant to be realistic but to convey religious and cultural meanings.

The economy of Ancient Egypt was based on agriculture. The Nile River provided water and fertile soil. Farmers grew crops such as wheat, barley, and flax. They also raised livestock. The surplus of food supported a large population. Trade was also important. They exchanged goods with neighboring regions.

The social structure of Ancient Egypt was hierarchical. At the top were the pharaoh and the royal family. Below them were nobles and priests. Scribes and artisans held respected positions. Farmers and laborers made up the majority of the population. Slaves were at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

Ancient Egypt made significant contributions to knowledge. They excelled in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. They developed a calendar based on the lunar and solar cycles. They practiced advanced surgical techniques. Their knowledge influenced later civilizations.

The decline of Ancient Egypt began around 1000 BCE. Foreign invasions and internal strife weakened the civilization. Eventually, it became part of the Roman Empire. Despite its fall, the legacy of Ancient Egypt endures. Its monuments and artifacts continue to captivate people around the world.

Understanding Ancient Egypt gives insight into one of the world's earliest and most influential civilizations. Its achievements in architecture, art, and governance set the foundation for future societies. The enduring fascination with Ancient Egypt highlights its lasting impact on history and culture.

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