Divine kingship is a political and religious concept where a monarch is considered to be chosen by, or an embodiment of, a divine power. This belief often legitimizes the ruler's authority, suggesting that their right to govern comes from a higher spiritual source. In many cultures, such as in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, kings were seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people. This idea reinforces the social hierarchy, as subjects are expected to show loyalty and obedience to a ruler believed to have divine backing. Divine kingship can also manifest in rituals and ceremonies that emphasize the king's sacred status, further intertwining governance with religious practices.