Incest in Egypt

Power and Incest in Pharaoh Families

Incest in Egyptian Society

In the ruling class of Egypt, family held great importance. It played a key role in maintaining power and continuity of rule. One of the most interesting and controversial topics of ancient Egypt is the incestuous behaviour of pharaohs, which is the focus of this article.

Incest and Pharaohs' Rule

In ancient times, it was very common for pharaohs to marry their sisters or daughters. This practice of incest was a way to keep power and control over the throne within one family. Pharaohs believed that the union of royal blood within one family strengthened their legitimacy and ensured the stability of their rule.

Inheritance of the throne was a crucial part of the Egyptian political system. Rulers aimed to ensure that their children took over power after their death. This meant that pharaohs often had children with their sisters or daughters to keep the royal crown within the family. This way, power and rule were ensured to remain in the hands of one dynasty.

The practice of incest among pharaohs is controversial and abnormal today, but historically it was a way to maintain power and rule within one family, avoiding political instability. The inheritance of the throne was very important in Egypt. Sisters were often married to their own or half-brothers, and daughters to their fathers. Their offspring were still considered legitimate heirs to the throne, keeping power within the family.

Daughters and Sisters of Pharaohs

Marrying daughters within the family was historically a common practice. In Egypt, pharaohs' children were not allowed to marry below their status. To avoid bad alliances or division of power among several families, they often married their children to each other. This way, power and rule were maintained within one family, although incest could have negative impacts on genetic diversity and the health of descendants.

A well-known example is young Tutankhamun, who died at 19, and experts say he was significantly affected by incest. His parents were likely siblings; his father was Amenhotep IV, but historians are uncertain about his mother. Research shows he had one shorter leg, walked with a cane, had wide feminine hips, and had a pronounced overbite. Young Tutankhamun did not look like a powerful pharaoh but rather like a cripple. His wife probably miscarried twins - daughters, but there is no evidence of other offspring.

It was also common for fathers to marry their daughters. For example, Ramses II married not only his sister but also three of his own daughters. Amenhotep II and Akhenaten also married their daughters.

Incest as a Way to Maintain Power

Incest was used as a way to maintain power in ancient Egyptian dynasties. The uniting of royal blood within one family strengthened the legitimacy and stability of rule. Incest was considered a natural and necessary way to maintain power and control over the throne.

However, such marriages were allowed only for the ruling class, who considered themselves gods. Pharaohs drew inspiration from stories of the goddess Nut and Geb, who was her brother and husband simultaneously. This divine couple, representing the sky and the earth, had a daughter Isis and a son Osiris, who also became spouses.

Although incest seems condemnable today, we should realise that people in the past thought differently. The mentioned power and struggles for the crown were perhaps greater fears for them than a few affected offspring.