Image recovered from dreamstime.com
Ryan and Evan were walking in the desert on their way to the Valley of Kings. Then, a conversation started...
Ryan: Hey Evan, I have a question. How did Ancient Egypt become united?
Evan: I think that King Narmer of Upper Egypt conquered Lower Egypt in 3100 B.C.E. so then Egypt became a whole community and was united.
Ryan: Oh wow! That's actually pretty cool. I have another question.
Evan: Another one. Okay what is it?
Ryan: Was the government and religion the same in Ancient Egypt as it is in the 21st century?
Evan: No, The government of Ancient Egypt depended on two important factors: the pharaoh and agriculture. The Pharaoh was a vital part of the the Egyptian government and he appointed the other officials during most periods. The highest officials took their orders directly from the king. Agriculture was the foundation of Egypt's economy and government.
Ryan: What was the religion of the Egyptians?
Evan: Egyptian religion was based on polytheism, or the worship of many deities, except for during the reign of Akenaton. The Egyptians had as many as 2000 gods and goddesses. Some, such as Amun, were worshipped throughout the whole country, while others had only a local following.
Ryan: What were the Egyptian politics?
Evan: The ancient Egyptian politics and their religion were very similar. The pharaohs were believed to be able to speak with the gods and they used politics to convince villagers that they were half god, which gave them more power.
Ryan: Okay, I know that I've asked a lot of questions, but I think I only have one more.
Evan: What is it?
Ryan: How did ancient Egyptian rulers affect trade, business and conflict?
Evan: The Egyptians were masters of trade in the ancient world. Encouraged by Hatshepsut’s expedition to Punt and Thutmose III’s trades for rich loot in Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean Region, Egypt was a center of trade. Ramses II led several military expeditions into the Levant, re-asserting Egyptian control over Canaan. He also led expeditions to the south, into Nubia, commemorated in inscriptions at Beit el-Wali and Gerf Hussein. The pharaoh was the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. He owned all of the land, made laws, collected taxes, and defended Egypt against foreigners.
Ryan: You are really smart!
Evan: I know.
Once Ryan and Evan arrived at the Valley Of Kings, they heard the wind howling. Sand was swirling all around and all of a sudden, two pharaohs appeared from the sand. One was King Tut and the other was Ramses II. Evan started to approach them. Ramses II started to run away. Ryan and Evan didn't bother chasing him because they were still in awe from what had just happened. Then they started to talk to King Tut...
Ryan: King Tut, what were you known for?
King Tut: I was chiefly known for my intact tomb, it was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings in 1922. Since then, my remains have held millions in awe over the mystery of my life and death.
Evan: How old were you when you became king?
King Tut: I was about eight years old when I became king.
Evan: Did you have any impact on the empire?
King Tut: Yes, in fact I sought to restore the old order of Egypt, in the hope that the gods would once again look favorably on us. I ordered the repair of the holy sites and continued construction at the temple of Karnak. I also oversaw the completion of the red granite lions at Soleb.
Ryan: Did you make any important decisions in your lifetime?
King Tut: Besides repairing the temple of Karnak, I didn't make any other important decisions. I was only king for 10 years whereas other kings like Ramses II was king for 67 years.
Ryan: What did you do for fun when you were growing up?
King Tut: I liked to hunt and swim. I also loved playing board games when I was growing up.
Evan: How old were you when you died?
King Tut: I was 19 years old when I died.
King Tut: I was chiefly known for my intact tomb, it was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings in 1922. Since then, my remains have held millions in awe over the mystery of my life and death.
Evan: How old were you when you became king?
King Tut: I was about eight years old when I became king.
Evan: Did you have any impact on the empire?
King Tut: Yes, in fact I sought to restore the old order of Egypt, in the hope that the gods would once again look favorably on us. I ordered the repair of the holy sites and continued construction at the temple of Karnak. I also oversaw the completion of the red granite lions at Soleb.
Ryan: Did you make any important decisions in your lifetime?
King Tut: Besides repairing the temple of Karnak, I didn't make any other important decisions. I was only king for 10 years whereas other kings like Ramses II was king for 67 years.
Ryan: What did you do for fun when you were growing up?
King Tut: I liked to hunt and swim. I also loved playing board games when I was growing up.
Evan: How old were you when you died?
King Tut: I was 19 years old when I died.
After Ryan and Evan interviewed King Tut, they decided to chase after Ramses II. They finally found him sitting next to Thutmose I's tomb. As soon as Ryan and Evan saw him, they ran as fast as they could towards him before he could run off again. Then they started to interview Ramses II...
Ryan: So Ramses II, how are you today?
Ramses II: Please, call me Ramses.
Ryan: Okay. So how are you today?
Ramses II: Pretty good.
Evan: We are just here to ask you a few questions. Is that okay?
Ramses II: It's fine as long as you don't take too long.
Ryan: What were you known for?
Ramses II: Perhaps one of my best achievements were my architectural endeavors, most notable the Ramesseum and the temples of Abu Simbel. My interest in architecture resulted in the erection of more monuments than any of the other ancient Egyptian pharaohs. A significant number of architectural tributes attributed to me still dominate the landscape of Egypt today.
Evan: Nice! Okay here is another question. Did you have any impact on the empire?
Ramses II: Despite a very shaky start, I used diplomacy, a massive building program and endless propaganda to become the greatest pharaoh of the New Kingdom, Ancient Egypt's Golden Age.
Ryan: Nice how abou-
Ramses II: Born a commoner, my family's military skills brought me to the throne at the age of just 15. I immediately faced serious challenges. The Egyptian empire was under threat from the Hittites, who lived in what is now Turkey. They were far more advanced than the Egyptians and were already pushing against the northern border of Egypt's empire.
Ryan: As I was going to say before you cut me off was, did you make any important decisions in your lifetime?
Ramses II: Well, I made the very important decision to make a peace treaty with Ancient Egypt's biggest enemies. The Hittites. I lived to be 95 years old. Some people think that I died at 99 and others think that I died at 90 or 91, but the truth is that I died at 95 years old.
Evan: Okay. Thanks Ramses. We learned a lot from you.
Ramses II: You kids better get out of here quick before the angry spirits of the pharaohs of Egypt wake up. Now scram.
Ramses II: Please, call me Ramses.
Ryan: Okay. So how are you today?
Ramses II: Pretty good.
Evan: We are just here to ask you a few questions. Is that okay?
Ramses II: It's fine as long as you don't take too long.
Ryan: What were you known for?
Ramses II: Perhaps one of my best achievements were my architectural endeavors, most notable the Ramesseum and the temples of Abu Simbel. My interest in architecture resulted in the erection of more monuments than any of the other ancient Egyptian pharaohs. A significant number of architectural tributes attributed to me still dominate the landscape of Egypt today.
Evan: Nice! Okay here is another question. Did you have any impact on the empire?
Ramses II: Despite a very shaky start, I used diplomacy, a massive building program and endless propaganda to become the greatest pharaoh of the New Kingdom, Ancient Egypt's Golden Age.
Ryan: Nice how abou-
Ramses II: Born a commoner, my family's military skills brought me to the throne at the age of just 15. I immediately faced serious challenges. The Egyptian empire was under threat from the Hittites, who lived in what is now Turkey. They were far more advanced than the Egyptians and were already pushing against the northern border of Egypt's empire.
Ryan: As I was going to say before you cut me off was, did you make any important decisions in your lifetime?
Ramses II: Well, I made the very important decision to make a peace treaty with Ancient Egypt's biggest enemies. The Hittites. I lived to be 95 years old. Some people think that I died at 99 and others think that I died at 90 or 91, but the truth is that I died at 95 years old.
Evan: Okay. Thanks Ramses. We learned a lot from you.
Ramses II: You kids better get out of here quick before the angry spirits of the pharaohs of Egypt wake up. Now scram.
Pharaoh Hatsheput And Queen Elizabeth I
Similarities
Pharaoh Hatsheput and Queen Elizabeth I were very similar rulers and the way they ruled their kingdom is also very much the same. For example, they both attempted to promote unity and peace and they both succeeded in that act. Hatsheput and Queen Elizabeth I were also two rulers that developed trade. Both Hatshepsut and Queen Elizabeth I tried to pursue matters beyond war.
Diferences
But Hatsheput and Elizabeth I weren’t alike in every single way, they had many differences. For example, Queen Elizabeth I wasn’t universally liked and there were plenty of assassination attempts pointed at her direction. Also, in most ancient Egyptian art, Hatsheput was depicted as a male, but both rulers still drove their communities to success and better living.
Power In Ancient Egypt
Advantages
*As a pharaoh you get to give people orders and tell them what to do. If they did not obey you then they would get punished.
*You are treated like a god. There are temples built after you.
*If you are pharaoh you are the most important person in the society. Pharaohs are also very wealthy.
*As a pharaoh, you get a great deal of responsibility.
*You are treated like a god. There are temples built after you.
*If you are pharaoh you are the most important person in the society. Pharaohs are also very wealthy.
*As a pharaoh, you get a great deal of responsibility.
Disadvantages
*If the Nile River did not flood and give fertile soil to the land then you would get blamed for it.
*You would have to protect your land from intruders or enemies such as the Hittites.
*As a pharaoh, you get a great deal of responsibility.
*As a pharaoh, you would not get a lot of privacy.
*You would have to protect your land from intruders or enemies such as the Hittites.
*As a pharaoh, you get a great deal of responsibility.
*As a pharaoh, you would not get a lot of privacy.
Primary Source
The remains of Hatshepsut, the great female pharaoh of Egypt, have been found.
Came forth the king of the gods, Amun-Re, from his temple, saying: "Welcome, my sweet daughter, my favorite, the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Maatkare, Hatshepsut. Thou art the king, taking possession of the Two Lands" - inscription
More Information
Traditionally, Egyptian rulers were men, but Hatshepsut managed to obtain the power of Pharaoh even though she was a woman, through her intelligence and determination. She was the daughter of Tuthmose I and Queen Ahmose Nefertari. She was married to her brother Tuthmose II and they had a daughter Neferuri. Tuthmose III (also called Tuthmosis), the son of Tuthmose II by another woman, was married to Neferuri to solidify his claim as heir to the throne (the male was obliged to marry a woman of royal blood, since women carried the royal lineage). He was young (age 2-10)when his father died and Hatshepsut became regent. She was declared pharaoh and took the name Maatkare. She ruled jointly with Tuthmose III (1473-1458) and successfully prevented him from taking sole power until her death.
On the walls of her temple she had carved scenes that told the story of how the god Amun took on the appearance of her father to mate with her mother on the day she was conceived. This helped solidify her position. She was portrayed as a male in these scenes, dressing in the traditional garb ofmale rulers: the shendyt kilt, the nemes headdress with its uraeus and khatheadcloth, and the false beard.
She initiated many building projects, more than any previous Middle Kingdom pharaohs, including the complex at Deir el-Bahri . The focal point was the "Djeser-Djeseru" or the sublime of sublimes, a colonnaded structure sitting atop a series of terraces lined with gardens. Built into a cliff face that rises sharply above it, Djeser-Djeseru and the other buildings of the Deir el-Bahri complex are considered to be among the great buildings of the ancient world.
More Information
After her death Tuthmose III ordered that her name and image be removed from public display. His attempt to erase the memory of her rule was remarkably successful. Her existence was unknow to early modern scholars until sufficient evidence was accumulated by the 1960s to identify the female pharaoh and uncover something of her story.
Mummy of Queen HatshepsutIn June 2007, the Discovery Channel and Dr. Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced a "positive identification" of a mummy as Hatshepsut's, and a documentary, Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen.
DNA and CT scans were used to attempt the identification. The DNA evidence is inclusive at present. However a canopic box was found with Hatshepsut's name on it with 4 female mummies. Inside was a molar tooth which was matched to one of the female mummies who has now been identified as Hatshepsut. The remains were from the Royal Mummy Caches, a series of secret tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The High Priests of Amun during the 21st and 22nd Dynasties hid the bodies of many of the kings and queens of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. This was done to protect the remains from tomb robbers.
What I think this means: I believe that this primary source is stating that many pharaohs were men and everyone thought that it was always going to be that way, but then Hatshepsut stepped up as pharaoh after her husband Tuthmose II died. Nobody thought she could live up to the challenge of being the first female pharaoh, but she did more then living up to the challenge. She excelled further then anybody could have imagined her to.
Came forth the king of the gods, Amun-Re, from his temple, saying: "Welcome, my sweet daughter, my favorite, the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Maatkare, Hatshepsut. Thou art the king, taking possession of the Two Lands" - inscription
More Information
Traditionally, Egyptian rulers were men, but Hatshepsut managed to obtain the power of Pharaoh even though she was a woman, through her intelligence and determination. She was the daughter of Tuthmose I and Queen Ahmose Nefertari. She was married to her brother Tuthmose II and they had a daughter Neferuri. Tuthmose III (also called Tuthmosis), the son of Tuthmose II by another woman, was married to Neferuri to solidify his claim as heir to the throne (the male was obliged to marry a woman of royal blood, since women carried the royal lineage). He was young (age 2-10)when his father died and Hatshepsut became regent. She was declared pharaoh and took the name Maatkare. She ruled jointly with Tuthmose III (1473-1458) and successfully prevented him from taking sole power until her death.
On the walls of her temple she had carved scenes that told the story of how the god Amun took on the appearance of her father to mate with her mother on the day she was conceived. This helped solidify her position. She was portrayed as a male in these scenes, dressing in the traditional garb ofmale rulers: the shendyt kilt, the nemes headdress with its uraeus and khatheadcloth, and the false beard.
She initiated many building projects, more than any previous Middle Kingdom pharaohs, including the complex at Deir el-Bahri . The focal point was the "Djeser-Djeseru" or the sublime of sublimes, a colonnaded structure sitting atop a series of terraces lined with gardens. Built into a cliff face that rises sharply above it, Djeser-Djeseru and the other buildings of the Deir el-Bahri complex are considered to be among the great buildings of the ancient world.
More Information
After her death Tuthmose III ordered that her name and image be removed from public display. His attempt to erase the memory of her rule was remarkably successful. Her existence was unknow to early modern scholars until sufficient evidence was accumulated by the 1960s to identify the female pharaoh and uncover something of her story.
Mummy of Queen HatshepsutIn June 2007, the Discovery Channel and Dr. Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced a "positive identification" of a mummy as Hatshepsut's, and a documentary, Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen.
DNA and CT scans were used to attempt the identification. The DNA evidence is inclusive at present. However a canopic box was found with Hatshepsut's name on it with 4 female mummies. Inside was a molar tooth which was matched to one of the female mummies who has now been identified as Hatshepsut. The remains were from the Royal Mummy Caches, a series of secret tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The High Priests of Amun during the 21st and 22nd Dynasties hid the bodies of many of the kings and queens of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. This was done to protect the remains from tomb robbers.
What I think this means: I believe that this primary source is stating that many pharaohs were men and everyone thought that it was always going to be that way, but then Hatshepsut stepped up as pharaoh after her husband Tuthmose II died. Nobody thought she could live up to the challenge of being the first female pharaoh, but she did more then living up to the challenge. She excelled further then anybody could have imagined her to.