đź‘‘ The Secrets of the Pharaohs: Strange But True Historical Facts from Egypt

Introduction

The pharaohs of Ancient Egypt ruled for thousands of years and left behind a legacy wrapped in mystery, power, and grandeur. But beyond the golden masks and giant pyramids, lie strange but true facts that make these rulers even more fascinating.

In this guide, we uncover 10 bizarre and unbelievable facts about the pharaohs of Egypt, backed by historical evidence and archaeology.


1. Pharaohs Wore Fake Beards — Even the Women!

Pharaohs were seen as god-like, and facial hair symbolized divinity. To maintain this image, both male and female pharaohs wore false beards made of braided metal.

Yes, even Queen Hatshepsut wore a fake beard to assert her authority!

📚 Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to the Civilization of Ancient Egypt


2. Pharaohs Were Often Married to Their Sisters

To keep the royal bloodline “pure,” many pharaohs married their siblings. While this was normal in Egyptian royal culture, it often led to genetic disorders, especially in later dynasties like King Tut’s.

🔗 External Source: National Geographic – King Tut’s Family Tree


3. King Tut Was Buried With 130 Walking Sticks

Tutankhamun, one of the most famous pharaohs, had over 130 canes or walking sticks buried in his tomb. Scientists now believe he suffered from a club foot and needed them to walk.

His famous tomb wasn’t even meant for a king — it was small, suggesting his death came unexpectedly.


4. Ramses II Had Over 100 Children

Ramses the Great, one of the longest-reigning pharaohs, is believed to have fathered over 100 children during his 66-year reign. He married multiple queens and concubines, and his children helped spread his legacy.

📚 Explore More: How the Ancient Egyptians Changed the World


5. Pharaohs Were Buried With Boats

To help them sail into the afterlife, pharaohs were buried with full-sized boats. The most famous one is the Khufu Ship, found next to the Great Pyramid of Giza — over 140 feet long and perfectly preserved.

🔗 External Source: Smithsonian – Ancient Egyptian Boat Burial


6. The Pharaoh’s Curse Is Real — Sort Of

Many believe a curse was released when King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1922. Several members of the excavation team died mysteriously, sparking the legend of the “Pharaoh’s Curse.”

Modern science suggests it was likely airborne mold or bacteria, but the myth still lives on.

📚 Also Read: 10 Fascinating Historical Facts About Ancient Egypt


7. Some Pharaohs Were Buried in Hidden Tombs

While we know about the pyramids, many pharaohs were buried in secret tombs to avoid grave robbers. The Valley of the Kings is home to dozens of hidden royal tombs, most of which were robbed in ancient times.


8. Akhenaten Tried to Cancel All Other Gods

Pharaoh Akhenaten is famous for his religious revolution. He tried to erase Egypt’s polytheistic beliefs and forced people to worship only one god — Aten, the sun disk.

His changes were so radical that after his death, later pharaohs destroyed his statues and writings.

🔗 External Source: BBC – Akhenaten’s Revolution


9. Pharaohs Had Special Bodyguards Called “Medjay”

The Medjay were elite warriors from Nubia who protected the pharaoh and guarded tombs. They were so trusted that they were buried near royal tombs.

They’re considered one of the earliest organized police/military forces in history.


10. Some Pharaohs Weren’t Egyptian by Blood

Several rulers of Egypt weren’t born Egyptian. For example, the Ptolemaic dynasty, including Cleopatra, came from Greek origin but ruled as Egyptian royalty.

They adopted Egyptian customs, religion, and even language to win the people’s loyalty.

📚 Check out: A Guide to Ancient Civilizations Around the World


Final Thoughts

The pharaohs of Egypt weren’t just kings—they were mystical, powerful, and often strange figures who shaped the course of history. Their secrets, buried deep in tombs and texts, still spark curiosity today.

From strange burial practices to political revolutions, their stories remind us just how rich and complex Ancient Egyptian history truly is.


Call to Action (CTA)

Love historical mysteries? đź’ˇ
Subscribe for weekly insights and explore more strange but true facts in our History Section.
And don’t forget to share this article with your fellow history buffs!

Leave a Comment