"Did the ancient Egyptians believe in many gods or one god in many guises? The key lies in the special relationship between the sun god Ra and the king, in his central role as 'son of Ra'. This book draws together for the first time the recent advances in our understanding of the cult of Ra, from the 3rd millennium BC to the Roman conquest of Egypt and the rise of Christianity." Stephen Quirke examines Egyptian sources for the character of Ra and his pivotal role in creation, exploring the ways in which he received worship and uncovering the innermost mysteries of the cult. Through select inscriptions and manuscripts the reader enters the closed world of the king as he carries out his principal function, to maintain life itself. With prayer, offerings and the power of knowledge, Pharaoh ensured the smooth passage of the sun hour by hour through the sky.