Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BC)
1. Djoser: The first pharaoh of the Third Dynasty, Djoser is known for his Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which is considered the earliest known major stone building in the world.
2. Khufu: The second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, Khufu is renowned for building the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
3. Khafre: Khufu's son and successor, Khafre constructed the second largest pyramid at Giza and the famous Great Sphinx.
Middle Kingdom (2050-1650 BC)
1. Mentuhotep II: The first ruler of the Eleventh Dynasty, Mentuhotep II reunified Egypt after the fall of the Old Kingdom and initiated a period of prosperity.
2. Amenemhat I: The founder of the Twelfth Dynasty, Amenemhat I established a stable and prosperous reign. He is known for his extensive construction projects.
3. Senusret III: One of the most powerful pharaohs of the Twelfth Dynasty, Senusret III expanded Egypt's territories through military campaigns and erected impressive monuments.
New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC)
1. Thutmose I: The second pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, Thutmose I led military campaigns to establish Egypt as a major power in the region.
2. Hatshepsut: Thutmose I's daughter and co-ruler, Hatshepsut became one of the most prominent female pharaohs in Egyptian history. She is known for her architectural achievements, including the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri.
3. Thutmose III: Hatshepsut's stepson and successor, Thutmose III embarked on military expeditions that greatly expanded Egypt's empire and earned him the title "Napoleon of Egypt."
4. Akhenaten: Also known as Amenhotep IV, Akhenaten introduced significant religious changes by promoting the worship of the sun god Aten. He built a new capital city called Amarna and changed his own name to Akhenaten.
5. Tutankhamun: Popularly referred to as King Tut, Tutankhamun was a pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty who became famous due to the discovery of his well-preserved tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
Later Periods
1. Shoshenq I: The founder of the Twenty-second Dynasty, Shoshenq I was of Libyan descent and ruled during the Third Intermediate Period.
2. Taharqa: A pharaoh of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty, Taharqa was a Nubian king who successfully defeated the Assyrians and unified Egypt.
3. Alexander the Great: Although not an Egyptian pharaoh, Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 BC and was recognized as the pharaoh of Egypt, ruling from 332 to 323 BC.
4. Cleopatra: The last active pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra reigned during the Ptolemaic Dynasty and was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
These are just a few examples of the many pharaohs and kings who ruled ancient Egypt, each leaving their mark on the history and culture of this remarkable civilization.