Why did the pharaohs hold so much power

They were considered dieties, or gods. As long as king and commoner alike honoured the gods and obeyed the laws set down by them the balance was maintained and all would be well. Should the Pharaoh fail all the world would suffer and descend into the unthinkable state of anarchy.

Primary audience was middle class (common people) rather than elite.

Explanation:

He started a communication mass process through the invention of the modern printing press.