The Ancient Egyptians believed that their Pharaoh was the god Horus, son of Re, the sun god. When a pharaoh died he was believed to be united with the sun and then a new Horus ruled on earth. Being a Pharaoh there was nothing that you could not do . He was head of the government and high priest of every temple. In practice officials did their work, in his name. When a Pharaoh died, "Res divinity" (and the kingship of Egypt) was passed on through the Pharaoh's eldest daughter. Whoever claimed the throne married her to confirm his right to rule, even if he were her brother. Wise Pharaohs would travel though the lands with four fan bearers, four porters and sitting on a litter, in order to be able to see their people.