Egyptian pharaohs differed from kings of other cultures primarily in two key ways:
- They were considered gods. - Pharaohs were viewed as divine figures, intermediaries between the gods and the people.
- They were considered immortal. - Pharaohs were believed to continue their existence after death and were often buried with the expectation of an afterlife.
While being absolute rulers and passing kingship to their sons are common traits among many monarchies, the divine status and immortality specifically distinguish Egyptian pharaohs from many other cultures' kings.
Therefore, the main differences are:
- They were considered gods.
- They were considered immortal.