How did the leaders of the first societies come to lead them?

Question

Why and how did the first person to lead a society gain power over it. (In other words, for example, why at some point did Egyptians decide they need a Pharoh?)

Answer 1

I think in all history (and prehistory) of mankind there was a certain concept of leadership whenever man formed a group. Of course, the small groups of humans mostly were wandering about, hunting and gathering, and leadership might have been shortlived and fluctuating.

But when mankind developed agriculture, life changed. Land, property, and heritage, became an issue. And with that, the necessity to defend it. The leaders now turned into protectors, you could call it an ancient protection racket, and there you are. Power is accumulated and the leaders get ideas of dynasties and divine right.

Of course, today you cannot point a finger on one certain person who is the first king. For this, you would need historical sources, and therefore you need writing. But writing was invented later than agriculture. So the first leader will stay in historic obscurity.