Was the pharaoh considered equal to a deity?

Yes, the pharaoh in ancient Egypt was considered equal to a deity. Pharaohs were seen as intermediaries between the gods and humans, embodying divine power on Earth. They were particularly associated with the god Horus, the falcon god, and after death, they were identified with Osiris, the god of the afterlife and resurrection. The pharaoh was responsible for maintaining Maat, the principle of order, truth, and justice, which was essential for cosmic balance.

Their divine status justified their absolute power and ensured the kingdom's stability. This connection with the divine was expressed through rituals, monuments, and art, often depicting the pharaohs with sacred symbols and alongside the gods.