by Tori Rice

“Greatest Pharaoh Sixth Grade History Social Science Academic Standard 6.2.7 Understand the of All Time” significance of Queen Hatshepsut and Ramses

the Great. #GPOAT – A Modern Day Campaign of Ancient Egyptian Influencers Queen Hatshepsut and Ramses the Great

Description The race is on for “Greatest Pharaoh of All Time.” Who will it be: Queen Hatshepsut or Ramses II? Students investigate the accomplishments and challenges of both rulers, design a modern day campaign for #GPOAT, and step into the shoes of the pharaohs. Which ruler has had the greatest influence on the development of culture in ancient Egypt, securing the title, “Greatest Pharaoh of All Time”?

Materials paper, pencil/pen, colored pencils/crayons/markers, cardboard or poster board, Hatshepsut and Ramses II research graphic organizers, optional: props, costumes

Goals • Deepen understanding of the contributions of Queen Hatshepsut and Ramses II to ancient Egyptian culture. • Make personal connections, identifying similar traits between leaders and themselves. • Strengthen listening, speaking and writing skills. • Encourage collaboration and creativity. • Connect the past to the present.

Investigate Queen Hatshepsut, “Foremost of Noble Ladies,” had a longer and more prosperous reign than any other woman pharaoh and brought great wealth to Egypt. She is often regarded as the first really powerful woman in history. Research her legacy using the Hatshepsut research graphic organizer.

Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, is one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in history and is often regarded as the most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom. He reigned more than 200 years after Hatshepsut. Research his legacy using the Ramses II research graphic organizer.

Compare and Contrast Working with a household member, consider the two leaders:

How are they alike? How are they different?

What traits do you share with Queen Hatshepsut?

What traits do you share with Ramses II?

What traits does your household member share with either or both leaders?

Create a Campaign Imagine that Queen Hatshepsut and Ramses II are in a modern day campaign to be named “Greatest Pharaoh of All Time.” The contest will take place on (you decide the date, time and place)!______.

You and your household member will become the pharaohs, marketing, campaigning and leading them to be dubbed #GPOAT (if working independently, you can create campaigns for both pharaohs).

Using your research, create the following:

A Campaign Slogan

A campaign slogan should be catchy, memorable, and capture the heart of what the person/ad is trying to accomplish. Political candidates use slogans and phrases that align with their platform in an effort to persuade the public to vote for them. Marketing campaigns use slogans and catchphrases as a “branding” hook so that you remember their brand.

Ask an adult (household member, relative, neighbor) if they can recall a marketing and/or political slogan from their childhood. Nowadays, marketing slogans often include a hashtag (see below). Some marketing examples are:

Coca-Cola: Have a Coke and a smile. California Milk: Got Milk? Nike: Just Do It. Wendy’s: Where’s the Beef? Always #LikeAGirl

A few examples from presidential campaigns include: Bill Clinton (1992): “For People, for a Change” Lyndon B. Johnson (1964): “All the Way with LBJ” Barack Obama (2008): “Change we can believe in” and “Yes we can” #yeswecan Donald Trump (2016): “Make America Great Again” #MAGA

You want to be the Greatest Pharaoh of All Time. What memorable catch phrase could you use to appeal to the public for votes?

Add a #Hashtag You are about to explode on social media. Using the campaign slogan, create a hashtag. A hashtag (the symbol “#”) is a label used on social media so that other people who are interested in that topic can easily find it (e.g. #yeswecan or #likeagirl or #GPOAT).

Speech, speech, speech!

Write a persuasive speech. Writing in first person, using “I” statements, including your accomplishments, how you overcame obstacles, and why you deserve to win the title, “Greatest Pharaoh of All Time.” How would Ancient Egypt be different without your contributions (think architecture, trade, military operations)? Include this in the speech. How will you and your opponent deliver the speeches (in person, FaceTime, Zoom, YouTube)? Include the slogan in the speech.

Poster Create a marketing poster. Draw a picture of your pharaoh (add some modern touches— maybe to their wardrobe or hairstyle). Add the hashtag and slogan. Optional: Dress up as your pharaoh and take a picture to include on the poster and/or for your social media campaign. Combine modern and ancient Egyptian styles to create a contemporary look for your pharaoh. Hang the posters around your house.

Sample Zeus costume from cardboard, a sheet and cotton balls.>>>

Go on the campaign marketing trail! Become your pharaoh and go on the campaign trail! Campaign around your house, appeal to your neighbors, and hold a Facetime, Skype or Zoom meeting. Get the word out that you will be giving a speech, along with your opponent.

Voting Methods Create a method for voting: ballots, verbal votes, electronic votes. Determine how voters will decide on #GPOAT.

Optional: Collaborate with household members to create a polling place.>>>>

You can also have friends, relatives and neighbors watch your speeches via Zoom/FaceTime/Skype and vote verbally.

Contest Day Become your pharaoh(s) and deliver your speeches. After you give your speech, invite your audience to ask questions (remember to stay in character and answer questions as the pharaoh). Then take a vote!

Reflection What qualities do influential leaders have in common? Think about a recent or current American leader. How have they influenced the development of American culture? What do you imagine their legacy will be (what will they be remembered for)? What do you imagine future marketing and/or political campaigns might look like? How has social media changed the way we look at leaders today?

Hatshepsut, female pharaoh of Egypt

Dates of Reign:

How did Hatshepsut rise to power?

What challenges did she face?

Did she meet with opposition? Explain.

List some of her accomplishments:

How did these accomplishments contribute to the development of culture in Ancient Egypt?

List her leadership qualities and personality traits.

Toward the end of her reign, Hatshepsut erected a second pair of obelisks (a tapering monument) at Karnak. On one the inscription reads: “Now my heart turns this way and that, as I think what the people will say—those who shall see my monuments in years to come, and who shall speak of what I have done.” (From Smithsonianmag.org) What do you think Hatshepsut meant when she wrote the inscription?

How did she die?

What did Thutmose III do to try to erase Hatshepsut’s legacy? Why do you think he did this?

Any other interesting information:

What do you imagine Hatshepsut would be doing if she was alive today?

Use with #GPOAT History Drama Activity – created by Tori Rice

Ramses II (aka Ramses the Great)

Dates of Reign:

How did Ramses II rise to power?

What challenges did he face?

Did he meet with opposition? If so, from whom?

List some of his accomplishments:

How did these accomplishments contribute to the development of culture in Ancient Egypt?

List his leadership qualities and personality traits.

How did he die?

In Life magazine, December 2, 1966, George de Carvalho wrote: Ramses, who lived 90 years and reigned 67, was certainly the worst braggart and his vanity still adorns much of Egypt. At Abu Simbel, his egomania is everywhere, larger than life. Yet the temples also glorify love.” Why do you think the reporter refers to Ramses as a braggart and egomaniac? Why do you think he writes that the temples at Abu Simbel also simplify love?

Any other interesting information:

What do you imagine Ramses would be doing if he was alive today?

Use with #GPOAT History Drama Activity – created by Tori Rice