Pharoh question (with christian undertone)

[Ever Learning]

The most powerful person in ancient Egypt was the pharaoh. The pharaoh was the political and religious leader of the Egyptian people, holding the titles: 'Lord of the Two Lands' and 'High Priest of Every Temple'.

As 'Lord of the Two Lands' the pharaoh was the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. He owned all of the land, made laws, collected taxes, and defended Egypt against foreigners.

As 'High Priest of Every Temple', the pharaoh represented the gods on Earth. He performed rituals and built temples to honour the gods.

Many pharaohs went to war when their land was threatened or when they wanted to control foreign lands. If the pharaoh won the battle, the conquered people had to recognise the Egyptian pharaoh as their ruler and offer him the finest and most valuable goods from their land.

the pharaoh claimed to be descended from the god rah.

he forced them to accept him as ruler, by divine right he was ruler.

what differences differ between him and the pope? the pope rules the catholic church being descended from the apostles (debated but for the sake of the argument assume he is as he ruled over people who believed he was)

would any war or law be considered to have religious authority and were his own wars justified by his religion?

Edited April 5, 2013 by Armchair Educated

[Wordless Wanderer]

Increase the font size!!! My eyes hurt! >.<

[goodconversations]

a Pharaoh would say he was God while a Pope wouldn't say he is God. No comparison in this sense.

However, if the religion establishes/recognizes a hierarchy between the diety and the worshipers, it's commonsense that there would be someone at the top of everyone else (mediator between the diety and the worshiper). I believe this is evident in Islam? A scolar/Imam/Shekh has the authority of issuing religious decrees on grounds of "superior knowledge"? So in this sense (someone being superior to the rest), an Islamic scolar, and a Pope are no different than a Pharaoh.