Over 8,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, before the pyramids and pharaohs, people argued over rights to use water from the Nile River. Over time, a single leader emerged to monitor the distribution of water, a role which became more important and evolved into the position of pharaoh. Pharaohs ruled as divine kings and heads of state, overseeing religious rituals, military forces, construction projects, and ensuring adequate food supplies and law and order.