Leadership
This artefact displays a 3D model of the famous statue of Ramesses II which can be found in the British Museum.
The most important person in ancient Egypt was the king, or Pharaoh. Although occasionally Pharaoh was a woman, he was usually the eldest son of the previous king. His main role was to uphold order and to please the gods. He is therefore depicted repeatedly on the walls of temples offering to the gods, in return for their blessings. Pharaoh might also lead military campaigns against Egypt’s enemies, to secure trade and prosperity. Government was run by officials close to the Pharaoh, to collect taxes and organise big state-run projects like pyramid-building.
A pharaoh is a king or ruler. The word is Greek and is based on an Egyptian word for ‘great house’. When it was first used, it referred to the great palace of the king, not the king himself!
Lesson Plan 1: Leadership - were all pharaohs male?
This lesson explores who the Pharaoh’s were and their role and influence over everyday life for Ancient Egyptians. The lesson focuses on the female Pharaoh Nefertiti and provides augmented reality objects to help explain and appreciate the influence of these all powerful leaders.
Lesson Plan 2: Leadership - who were the pharaohs?
This lesson explores what we know about the Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs and why different Pharaohs were presented in different ways to the population. Activities explore the difference between male and female leaders and their lasting legacies.
