What is a theocracy?
Originating from the Greek term "theocratia," theocracy, in a literal sense, is the rule of God or a god. A theocracy is a system of government in which its governor(s) are religious leaders who lead the governed with some sort of "divine guidance."
Some examples of theocracies throughout history include:
- The Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) and the role of its king as a divine intermediary.
- The Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) and its theocratic "Mandate of Heaven" used to legitimize imperial rule.
How were the Egyptian pharaohs viewed?
The pharaohs of Ancient Egypt were both political and religious leaders, tasked with overseeing the general affairs of their vast empire while devoting their faith and service to the many gods worshipped by the Egyptians. The Egyptian commonfolk—as well as all else in Egyptian society—viewed pharaohs as intermediaries between gods and humans, guided by the will of the gods. Although pharaohs themselves were not considered to be gods (it was believed pharaohs would live on as gods in the afterlife), pharaohs were considered representatives of gods, affording pharaohs extraordinary power and favor.