ABSTRACT
Arab sources show a varied and rich representation of images of Egyptian kingship. The sources also describe Egyptian monarchs as leading their nation in a prosperous and well-managed system of government. Some of the interest of the writers was perhaps in showing their current ruler as an even better exemplar in a line of just and efficient rulers. Royal chronicles were a popular genre in Arabic sources, and issues relating to Egyptian kingship were part of these writings. Memories of ancient Egyptian monarchs survived, with their deeds interwoven with those of current monarchs. Knowledge of many ancient monarchs survived into medieval times with their correct names, for example Zoser, and others. The Arab Romance of Cleopatra is just as rich as the Alexander Romance and should be seen within the context of both Egyptian and Arab cultural environments, which viewed as normal the fact that women could hold power.
