TED-ED: The pharaoh that wouldn't be forgotten - Kate Narev

The video explores the historical attack on Pharaoh Hatshepsut's memory, known as damnatio memoriae. Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, faced challenges due to her gender, which conflicted with Egyptian beliefs. Despite this, she achieved significant accomplishments in architecture, economy, and military. Theories suggest her memory was erased to restore traditional male rule. Thutmose III, her stepson, is a suspect, but the erasure likely aimed to eliminate the gender anomaly. Enough evidence survived to tell Hatshepsut's story today.

What was the primary reason for the attempt to erase Hatshepsut's memory?

• She was not of royal blood.

• She lost a major battle.

• Her gender challenged traditional beliefs.

• She was a poor ruler.

How did Hatshepsut initially come to power?

• She overthrew the previous pharaoh.

• She became a regent for her stepson.

• She was appointed by the priests.

• She was elected by the people.

Which of the following was NOT a reason for suspecting Thutmose III in the erasure of Hatshepsut's memory?

• He was angry about losing the throne.

• He wanted to strengthen his own reign.

• He acted out of rage immediately after her death.

• He wanted to restore traditional gender roles.

What was one of Hatshepsut's significant contributions to Egypt's economy?

• Inventing a new form of currency.

• Establishing a new capital city.

• Conducting a successful trade mission to Punt.

• Building the Great Pyramid.

Despite attempts to erase her, how do we know about Hatshepsut's reign today?

• Her story was preserved in oral traditions.

• Her achievements were recorded by her enemies.

• Enough evidence survived in her temple and chapel.

• Her descendants wrote about her.