13. Pepi I: The King Who Ruled through Fear
Contemporary letters hint that Pepi I eliminated rivals through executions and harshly punished any threat to his rule, shaping a reign where terror and suspicion became commonplace. Any perceived threat to his rule—whether from disloyal officials, rebellious nobles, or internal conspiracies—was met with swift and merciless punishment. This atmosphere of fear and repression not only consolidated his authority but also fostered a climate in which suspicion and terror became woven into the fabric of his reign Find more at Encyclopedia Britannica.
