The ancient civilization of Egypt is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. One of the most prominent figures in this history is the Pharaoh. As part of the curriculum, teaching students about the Pharaoh of Egypt is an essential aspect of learning of ancient Egyptian culture and civilization.
Pharaohs were medieval kings who ruled over ancient Egypt, and their era existed between 3150 BC to 30 BC. The Pharaoh had immense power and was regarded as the divine ruler of the state. To understand the Pharaoh’s role in Egyptian society, students need to know about Egyptian religious beliefs.
Egyptians believed in a complex system of gods, and it was believed that the Pharaoh was an intermediary between gods and mortals. Thus, the Pharaoh was not only a political figure but also a religious one. For instance, the Pharaoh was regarded as the embodiment of Horus, the god of the sky, the sun, and divine kingship.
Moreover, students should be taught about the historical significance of the Pharaoh’s roles. For example, they should be aware of some of the Pharaohs who played a significant role in Egyptian civilization, such as Tutankhamen, Ramses II, and Cleopatra. Tutankhamen was known as the “Boy King,” while Ramses II was celebrated for his expansionist policies. Many of these Pharaohs had great accomplishments, such as the construction of monumental structures, including temples, pyramids, and tombs.
Additionally, students should have a basic understanding of the Pharaoh’s leadership style and governance procedures. For instance, students could learn about the bureaucratic structure that existed in ancient Egypt, with the Pharaoh as the head of state. There were also government officials that ran different units of the state, such as the treasury, the army, and the judiciary.
The teaching of ancient Egyptian pharaohs can be done in different ways. Educators can make use of storytelling, documentaries, or even visual aids, such as videos, pictures, and artifacts. Classroom activities that involve creating hieroglyphics or organizing mock Pharaoh coronations could also make learning about the Pharaoh exciting, fun, and memorable.
In conclusion, teaching students about the Pharaoh of Egypt is an integral aspect of learning Egypt’s history and culture. It provides students with a greater appreciation for Egyptian civilization, encourages critical thinking skills and arouses curiosity which intensify learning and retention of historical facts. By providing students with the necessary background information, educators can enable them to better understand the significance of the Pharaohs and how they shaped ancient Egypt.
