The Legacy of Egypt Post Pharaonic Rule

Since the last Pharaoh was Cleopatra VII Philopator of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the story of Egypt's rule has drastically changed. This marked the end of native Egyptian rule and the beginning of historical transition to foreign governance, including the rise of the Roman Empire. Cleopatra, the renowned queen, chose to end her life rather than face Roman conquest in 30 BC. This essay explores what transpired in Egypt after Cleopatra's reign, focusing on the subsequent rulers, the impact of Roman control, and the effects on Egyptian religious institutions.

Post-Cleopatra Rule Transition

After the death of Cleopatra VII, Vizier Ay eventually became the Pharaoh. He was followed by Horemheb, who reestablished a new dynasty with Ramesses I and his son Seti I. Their rule marked the end of the last native Pharaohs and paved the way for continuous foreign reign. Even before the rise of Roman power, another group, known as the Hyksos, ruled Egypt from 1650 to 1550 BC. The Hyksos were semitic people who brought significant changes in military techniques and administration. Their rule eventually ended with their expulsion by Ahmose I who started the 18th dynasty of Egypt.

The Rise of Rome and its Impact

With Octavian (later known as Augustus) taking control of Egypt, the ancient land became part of the Roman Empire. This significant milestone was a turning point for Egypt, particularly for the religious institutions that had lasted for over 3,000 years. Emperor Augustus viewed the Egyptian religion as a form of soft power that undermined Roman authority. He ordered the destruction of temples, confiscated wealth, and reduced the funding for priesthood. The Isis temple, one of the most prominent, was demolished, marking a major blow to the Egyptian core institutions.

These actions had long-lasting consequences. Although the religious institutions did not disappear overnight, the damage was profound. Some Roman emperors, such as Caligula and Caracalla, adopted some aspects of Egyptian religion, but this did not prevent the spread of Christianity that eventually followed a century later. The efforts to suppress Egyptian religious practices set the stage for the dominance of new faiths in the region.

Characteristics of Foreign Rulers

Foreign rulers took over the Pharaoh's throne after the death of Cleopatra VII. King Tutankhamun followed, who was succeeded by Ay and then by Horemheb, who further solidified the transition to foreign rule. The 18th Dynasty, which included Tutankhamun and Horemheb, marked the end of native Pharaohs. Post-18th Dynasty, Egypt saw continued foreign influence, including the Libyans during the 22nd Dynasty, Nubians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

Conclusion

The end of the Pharaohs and the rise of foreign rulers, particularly the Romans, marked a significant turning point in Egypt's history. The actions of Roman emperors, especially Augustus, had a profound impact on the religious and social fabric of Egypt. Although the transition was gradual, the establishment of the Roman Empire and the subsequent foreign control had permanent impacts on the culture and institutions of ancient Egypt.