HASS · Year 7 · Ancient Egypt · Term 1

Women of Power: Hatshepsut

Students will examine the reign of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, and analyse the challenges and achievements of women in positions of authority in ancient Egypt.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9H7K05

About This Topic

Hatshepsut's reign as a female pharaoh in ancient Egypt presents a compelling case study for Year 7 students exploring leadership and societal roles. Students will investigate how Hatshepsut navigated the patriarchal structures of her time, adopting male regalia and commissioning monumental building projects to solidify her authority. Examining her strategies, such as her divine birth narrative and successful trade expeditions, provides insight into the complexities of power and legitimacy in the ancient world.

This topic allows for rich comparisons between the status of women in ancient Egypt and other contemporary civilizations, prompting critical thinking about gender roles and opportunities across different cultures. Students can analyze primary and secondary sources to understand how Hatshepsut's image and legacy were shaped, and how historical portrayals can be influenced by societal biases. Critiquing these portrayals helps students develop historical empathy and a nuanced understanding of the past.

Active learning is particularly beneficial for this topic as it moves beyond rote memorization of facts. Engaging in debates about Hatshepsut's legitimacy, role-playing scenarios of courtly interactions, or creating visual timelines of her reign allows students to grapple with the historical evidence and form their own informed interpretations.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the strategies Hatshepsut employed to legitimise her rule as a female pharaoh.
2. Compare the status and opportunities for women in ancient Egypt with those in other ancient civilisations.
3. Critique the historical portrayal of Hatshepsut and other powerful Egyptian women.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Women in ancient Egypt had no power or agency.

What to Teach Instead

While patriarchal, ancient Egypt offered women more rights and opportunities than many other ancient societies. Analyzing Hatshepsut's reign and comparing it to other women's lives through role-playing or source analysis helps students see the spectrum of female influence.

Common Misconception

Hatshepsut was simply a regent ruling for a male heir.

What to Teach Instead

Hatshepsut eventually declared herself pharaoh, not just regent. Examining primary source evidence, such as her inscriptions and titulary, and debating the legitimacy of her claim allows students to critically assess her actions and intentions.

Active Learning Ideas

Format Name: Pharaoh's Decree

Students research one of Hatshepsut's major achievements (e.g., trade expedition to Punt, temple construction). They then write and present a royal decree from Hatshepsut announcing this achievement, justifying its importance and her role in it.

60 min·Individual

Format Name: Women's Roles Debate

Divide students into groups representing different social strata in ancient Egypt (e.g., noblewomen, priestesses, commoners, royalty). They research the typical roles and opportunities for women in their assigned group and present their findings, followed by a class discussion comparing these roles.

50 min·Small Groups

Format Name: Image Analysis: Royal Iconography

Provide students with images of Hatshepsut depicted in various ways (e.g., with a false beard, as a sphinx, in traditional female attire). Students analyze these images, discussing the symbolism and the messages Hatshepsut might have intended to convey about her power and gender.

30 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What challenges did Hatshepsut face as a female pharaoh?

Hatshepsut faced significant challenges due to deeply ingrained patriarchal traditions. She had to overcome societal expectations that a female ruler was unusual, if not illegitimate. Her strategies, like adopting male pharaonic regalia and emphasizing her divine lineage, demonstrate her efforts to navigate and legitimize her rule within this context.

How did Hatshepsut legitimize her rule?

Hatshepsut employed several strategies to legitimize her rule. She adopted the full titulary of a pharaoh, including the male kilt and false beard in her iconography. She also promoted her divine birth and her father Thutmose I's designation of her as heir, emphasizing her right to rule through religious and familial claims.

What was Hatshepsut's impact on ancient Egypt?

Hatshepsut's reign was a period of prosperity and stability for Egypt. She focused on trade, particularly the famous expedition to Punt, and extensive building projects, including her magnificent mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. Her focus on internal development and foreign relations contributed to Egypt's economic strength and cultural achievements.

How can active learning help students understand Hatshepsut's reign?

Active learning methods like debates on her legitimacy or creating visual timelines allow students to engage directly with the historical evidence. Role-playing different social roles or analyzing her iconography helps them empathize with the period and critically evaluate the strategies she used to assert her authority and navigate societal norms.