Project Paper: Comparative Essay

Assignment 2: Project Paper – Comparative Essay

HUM 111 – World Cultures I

Introduction

Throughout history women were only considered their place to be in the home only in most cultures. As a quote from Confucian beliefs, “having a woman rule would be as unnatural as having a “hen crow like a rooster at daybreak” (Female Heroes of Asia: China”, 2016). Although history has proven that women accomplished successfully within leadership roles over millennium. For example, inside politics of ancient history the leadership qualities demonstrated by great women should receive equivalent treatment in all aspects of their lives. Women had to lead logically, showing strength, holding back emotion, imbedding fear to all that may oppose them. Women rulers had to go above and beyond their male equals. It’s imperative to institute the truth behind the merit of women in leadership rule, noting those that participated within the political domain of ancient China and Egypt analyzing and discussing the leadership roles of Empress Wu Zetian and Pharaoh Hatshepsut and what drove them to obtain and implement their leadership roles.

Empress Wu Zetian

Empress Wu Zetian (also known as Empress Consort Wu, Wu Hou, Wu Mei Niang, Mei-Niang, and Qu Zhao), was born in Wenshi County, Shanxi Province, in 624 CE to a wealthy family, her father was Wu Shihuo, a chancellor of the Tang Dynasty. Wu’s father insinuated her to develop the ability to read and write developing intellectually. This was only encouraged for men to accomplish in this era of time. (Wu Zetian, ancient.eu, March 17, 2016). Because of her unique beauty, at the young age of fourteen, Emperor Taizong chose her to become one of his concubines. The Emperor Taizong was intrigued with how bold and intellectual she was a such a young age. The was presented with the position as a secretary by Emperor Taizong and with this position she developed her political skills. Wu Zetian had an affair for Prince Li Zhi (Emperor’s son) as while she was the Emperor Taizong’s concubine and he fell deeply in love with Wu Zetian. After the death of Emperor Taizong, Wu Zetian married Prince Li Zhi, tradition suggests for Wu’s head to be shaved and she had to be sent to a temple where she would lead a religious chaste life. Prince Li Zhi, now the Emperor Gaozong, wanted Wu and sent for her so she became his main concubine.

After five years of her marriage to Emperor Gaozong had a stroke resulting in his inability to walk so, the Empress Wu enforced the administrative duties acting in the office of the Emperor. After the death of the Emperor in her multiplication she obtained the throne from her older son to give to her younger and weaker son so that she can rule.

Pharaoh Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut eldest daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I and his Queen Ahmes around 1500 B.C. Subsequently the death of her father, Hatshepsut became Queen of Egypt at 12 years of age upon marring her father’s son, Prince Thutmose II having position as one of his secondary wives. Prince Thutmose II acquired their father’s throne approximately 1492 B.C. From this union they had a daughter by the name of Neferure. In 1479 B.C. Pharaoh Thutmose II died and the throne was passed to his infant son by another secondary wife. Within Egyptian customs, Queen Hatshepsut assumed the role of Pharaoh Thutmose III’s regent which entails until her nephew/step-son was old enough to take his rightful place. Queen Hatshepsut did assume the role as Pharaoh after less than 7 years, first becoming co-ruler of Egypt with Pharaoh Thutmose III, it’s suggested this came about because of the crisis in the land at the time. (Hatshepsut, 2017)

Comparing Empress Wu Zetain and Pharaoh Hatshepsut

Through the research acquired Empress Wu Zetain and Pharaoh Hatshepsut have both similarities and differences. Both women in power has had their issues with their empires and men during their lives. Comparing Empress Wu and Pharaoh Hatshepsut, addressing how they obtain their reigns along with the way they reigned will be addressed.

Empress Wu and Pharaoh Hatshepsut were born into prestige and wealth, they were well rounded intellectually. Both women endured various obstacles obtaining and maintaining their positions. Like mention above, Empress Wu sole the throne from her eldest son to rule through her younger son. Pharaoh Hatshepsut acquired the throne because of the crises in their land at the time along with the appointed Pharaoh Thutmose III was a child at the time. Empress Wu was both Emperor Taizong and his son Emperor Gaozong’s concubine. Both women had at least one child, Empress Wu had 1 girl and two boys and Pharaoh Hatshepsut had 1 daughter. While discussing their child(ren), Empress Wu put her oldest son on the throne soon after his father the Emperor died. Because she could not control him, him and his family was exiled because her oldest son was not going to let her control him she said was treason. Her youngest son she had him imprisoned and her daughter was killed (not clear if by her).

Pharaoh Hatshepsut’s daughter assumed royal duties and as her mother’s reign officiating as “God’s Wife of Amun’…”writes Michael Rice in “Who’s Who in Ancient Egypt” (Routledge, 1999). (Hatshepsut: First Female Pharaoh, 2013). Both Empress Wu and Pharaoh Hatshepsut were the first females to rule within their reigns. Empress Wu ruled as a motherly figure where as Pharaoh Hatshepsut really had a love the Egypt and ruled peacefully implement construction of buildings and temples and trading with North Eastern Africa.

Conclusion

The leadership of Empress Wu and Pharaoh Hatshepsut differed from one another and both women ruled in the manor they believed most that was beneficial for their era. The leadership positions women have today differed from those in the era of Empress Wu and Pharaoh Hatshepsut reigned. Today’s women leaders can delegate duties to qualified individuals focusing on their daily tasks that takes priority. Another aspect to consider for women in leadership positions in today world majority of leadership positions today a still occupied by men. This is why it’s important for women in leadership positions today research women in authority from the past to appreciate what women have accomplished over the years.

Reference

Mark, E. (March 17, 2016). Wu Zetian. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017 from https://www.ancient.eu/Wu_Zetian/

Female Heroes of Asia: China. (2016). Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017 from http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/heroine6.html

Hatshepsut. (2017). Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017 from http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/hatshepsut

Ancient Civilizations (n.d.). Women of Ancient Egypt. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017, from http://www.ushistory.org/civ/3f.asp

Owen, J. (April 5, 2013). Hatshepsut: First Female Pharaoh. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017, from https://www.livescience.com/28510-hatshepsut-first-female-pharaoh.html