Instructions
This worksheet challenges you to analyze the reigns of two of Ancient Egypt's most powerful rulers: Queen Hatshepsut and Pharaoh Ramses II (Ramses the Great). Read all instructions carefully and use complete sentences when required.
- Complete the matching section below by drawing a line connecting the ruler to their primary focus.
- Analyze the key accomplishments of both rulers in the comparison table.
- Answer the critical thinking questions based on your analysis.
Section 1: Pharaoh Identification
Match the following descriptions to the correct ruler by drawing a line.
| Description | Ruler |
|---|---|
| 1. Focused primarily on massive building projects and trade expeditions. | Queen Hatshepsut |
| 2. Known for his tremendous military campaigns, including the Battle of Kadesh. | |
| 3. Built the famous temple at Deir el-Bahari and organized the Punt expedition. | Ramses II (The Great) |
| 4. Ruled for an incredibly long time (over 60 years) and created monuments of himself everywhere. |
Section 2: Comparing Royal Legacies (Critical Thinking)
Analyze the key contributions of both Pharaohs. Fill in the chart below by identifying one key fact for each category for both leaders. The first row is done for you as an example.
| Category | Queen Hatshepsut (Example) | Ramses II (The Great) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus of Rule | Trade, diplomacy, and infrastructure. | Military expansion and maintaining borders. |
| Key Accomplishment | ||
| Major Building Project | ||
| Impact on the Egyptian Economy | ||
| Relationship with Neighboring Nations | ||
| Long-Term Legacy |
Section 3: The Royal Advisor (Evaluation and Communication)
Answer the following questions using complete sentences. Use evidence from your analysis above to support your claims.
Question 1: The Stability Score
If you were a farmer living in Ancient Egypt, whose reign (Hatshepsut's or Ramses II's) would you generally prefer for stability and safety? Explain your choice in 3-4 sentences, focusing on the specific benefits or risks of that pharaoh's rule.
My Preferred Pharaoh: ____
Question 2: Modern Leadership Transfer
Queen Hatshepsut was an expert in infrastructure (building projects) and trade. Ramses II was an expert in military strength and diplomacy (making treaties).
If you were advising a modern country, which type of expertise—Hatshepsut’s peaceful economic focus, or Ramses’ forceful military focus—is more crucial for global success today? Justify your answer thoroughly.
Challenge Extension (Optional)
The Missing Legacy: After Hatshepsut's death, many of her monuments were defaced and her name erased from historical records by Thutmose III. Why do you think a pharaoh would try to erase the legacy of a previous, successful ruler? What does this tell us about power and history?
Answer Key
Section 1: Pharaoh Identification
- Focused primarily on massive building projects and trade expeditions. -> Queen Hatshepsut
- Known for his tremendous military campaigns, including the Battle of Kadesh. -> Ramses II (The Great)
- Built the famous temple at Deir el-Bahari and organized the Punt expedition. -> Queen Hatshepsut
- Ruled for an incredibly long time (over 60 years) and created monuments of himself everywhere. -> Ramses II (The Great)
Section 2: Comparing Royal Legacies (Possible Answers)
| Category | Queen Hatshepsut | Ramses II (The Great) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus of Rule | Trade, diplomacy, and infrastructure. | Military expansion and maintaining borders. |
| Key Accomplishment | Opening vital trade routes, especially to Punt. | Signing the world's first documented peace treaty (Treaty of Kadesh) with the Hittites. |
| Major Building Project | Temple at Deir el-Bahari; giant obelisks at Karnak. | Abu Simbel Temple; Ramesseum (mortuary temple). |
| Impact on the Egyptian Economy | Generated massive wealth through peaceful trade goods (incense, gold). | Spent large sums on military, but ensured tribute flowed from conquered areas. |
| Relationship with Neighboring Nations | Peaceful; based on mutual trade and respect. | Aggressive initially; later established stability through military power and treaties. |
| Long-Term Legacy | Demonstrated that a female pharaoh could bring prosperity and peace. | Left the most visible architectural and sculptural record of any pharaoh. |
Section 3: The Royal Advisor (Sample Responses)
Question 1: The Stability Score
Sample Answer: I would prefer the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Her focus on trade and internal building meant fewer resources were spent on large-scale military conflicts. As a farmer, this stability would mean less risk of being drafted into the military and a more secure economic environment where goods could be exchanged safely. Ramses II’s frequent wars, while glorious, risked the safety and livelihood of Egyptian citizens near the borders.
Question 2: Modern Leadership Transfer
Sample Answer: While military strength (Ramses II's focus) is necessary for security, Hatshepsut's focus on economic infrastructure and trade is more crucial for modern global success. Today's global economy is built on mutual trade agreements and technological sharing. A country that prioritizes strong alliances and invests internally (roads, schools, technology) tends to have a higher standard of living than one that primarily focuses on force. Economic power often outweighs military power in today's diplomacy.