P5 Project: Ancient Civilisations
Project Task Guidelines
For all Tasks
1. Read up on the civilisation which you have chosen
2. Your writing should accurately reflect what is known about each ancient society
and culture
3. The date of your piece is important. Begin your writing task with a plausible year in
which you are writing
Due Date: 21 April 2014
Task 1: The King’s Letter
Imagine that you are a King in ancient Sumeria. During your reign, you have built up your kingdom
through times of war and peace. Now you have decided to record some important instructions in a
letter to your son, who is still very young, but who will one day be King. (refer to Textbook 5A pg. 61)
1. Ensure that you accurately describe aspects of Sumerian civilisation
2. Write about:
a. At least 3 duties that a King must fulfil, and why they are important
b. At least 2 qualities of a good King, and why these are essential
c. At least 3 achievements of your people which you are most proud of, and why.
3. Style – be honest, encouraging but firm. The inexperienced prince will have no room for error
when he is King
Task 2: Dear Diary
Imagine that you are Howard Carter, the English archaeologist who found the tomb of the Egyptian
Pharaoh King Tutankhamun. (refer to Textbook 5A pg. 81-86). After years of fruitless searching, and
begging for funds to continue, you have finally entered the legendary tomb! Describe in your diary
entry for that day how you felt as the leader of the expedition, what you found in the tomb, and what
you can learn from them.
1.
2.
3.
Give a plausible date (day, month year) for your diary entry. Ensure that the facts surrounding
the expedition are accurate
Write about:
a. Why you embarked on this quest to find the tomb, and what you think helped you
achieve your goal
b. How you managed to convince Lord Carnavon to continue supporting you
c. Your feelings as you entered the tomb
d. Some of the objects found, and what they tell you about Egyptian culture
Style – personal, emotional, excited
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Task 3: Pioneers of Irrigation
Imagine that you are the first farmer in ancient Sumeria who thought of creating a system of
irrigation. Now you need to write a short speech to convince your fellow villagers to help you to work
on this project. (refer to Textbook 5A pg. 66)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Emphasise the importance of the river in your daily lives
Describe the current problems you face when growing crops without a steady water supply
Explain what irrigation is
Suggest how every villager can contribute to the construction of the irrigation system
Highlight the long-term benefits to the community
Style – You will need to convince your audience to support you. Remember that your audience
has never heard of irrigation before and may be reluctant to divert time away from farming
Task 4 : From the ground up
Imagine that you are a worker (male or female) on the greatest construction site on earth at its time:
the Great Pyramid of Giza. Now you have returned to your village, and your friends and relatives have
gathered to welcome you home. Write a short account to share your experiences and feelings, as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Explain your decision to contribute to the project
Describe the living and working conditions on the site
Discuss how your team worked together
Relate how you felt as you saw the Pyramid being built
Share a memorable experience while working on the pyramid
Style – earnest, excited
Suggested sources of information:
 http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/data/2001/11/01/html/ft_20011101.5.fulltext.html#top
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/pyramid_builders_01.shtml
 (Tip: Search for “lives of the pyramid builders”)
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