Hatshepsut: Egypt's Female Pharaoh

What is the name of the female pharaoh?

The story took place in ...

Hatshepsut, the FIRST pharaoh, was

• a god.
• a child.
• a priest.
• a woman.

Ancient Egypt was ruled by kings called ...

What is the central idea of the text?

• Hatshepsut was forced to rule Egypt because there were no male heirs.

• Hatshepsut was a powerful female ruler who broke traditions to become pharaoh.

• Hatshepsut expanded Egypt’s empire through military conquests.

• Hatshepsut’s rule was insignificant in Egyptian history.

Answer explanation

The passage details how Hatshepsut took on the role of pharaoh despite being a woman, ruling successfully and maintaining order in Egypt. The text highlights her achievements and the steps she took to justify her rule.

How does the author introduce the central idea of the text?

• By describing Hatshepsut’s accomplishments as pharaoh.

• By showing how Hatshepsut’s father forced her into a leadership role.

• By explaining the traditions of Egyptian rulers and how Hatshepsut’s rule was unusual.

• By discussing how Hatshepsut relied on her military advisors.

Answer explanation

The text begins by discussing the customs of royal succession in ancient Egypt and how female rulers were rare. This introduction sets up the idea that Hatshepsut’s rise to power was unconventional.

Hatshepsut became pharaoh immediately after her husband’s death.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

At first, Hatshepsut served as regent for Tuthmosis III, gradually taking on more power over time. She later made the bold decision to crown herself pharaoh.

The text suggests that Hatshepsut focused more on military conquests than on building projects.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

While the text mentions one military campaign, it emphasizes that Hatshepsut’s reign was largely peaceful and that she focused on construction projects, including her famous temple at Deir el-Bahri.

(Part A): How did Hatshepsut justify her rule as pharaoh?

• By declaring that the gods had chosen her.

• By marrying another royal leader.

• y changing Egyptian laws to allow female pharaohs.

• By defeating rival rulers in battle.

(Part B): Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• "Hatshepsut’s reign was peaceful, and she focused on building projects."

• "There was no word in the language of ancient Egypt for a female ruler."

• "The gods in the pictures on the temple walls do not seem to care whether Hatshepsut is a man or a woman."

• "She had artists carve and paint her biography on the walls of her temple."