Horrible Histories Special: Rotten Rulers
#12 of 71 in Horrible Histories Special Series
What’s inside...
Rotten Rulers gives you the lowdown on the world's most loathsome leaders. From bizarre tsars and evil emperors to crazy kings and queens, people all around the world have suffered at the hands of their rulers for centuries. Whether they're nutty or nasty, fat or foul, those in charge rarely get it right. Discover who gave the job of high priest to a donkey, who choked to death while eating a crow, and who celebrated victory by eating his enemy's head. Read on for the power-crazed president who still rules from the grave and find out about the suffering slave who was ordered to collect 500 kilos of spider webs for his boss. Meet Genghis the Mongolian murderer and discover just how terrible Ivan really was. History has never been so horrible!
Discussion points
What do you think made some rulers in history become labeled as 'rotten'? Can you think of qualities that make a good leader?
How do the decisions of the rulers in the book impact the people in their kingdoms? Can you think of a decision you made that affected others around you?
If you could give advice to one of the rulers in the book, what would you tell them?
Why do you think it's important to learn about the mistakes rulers made in the past? How can we apply these lessons today?
Which ruler from the book would you like to learn more about and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the rulers in the book with current leaders in the world or leaders from stories they know. Discuss similarities and differences to deepen their understanding of leadership qualities.
Ask your child to imagine they are a ruler. Discuss what rules they would implement and how they would handle big decisions, emphasizing the responsibilities involved in ruling.
Explore the consequences of the rulers' actions with your child by asking them how they think the story would change if different decisions were made.
Use the stories in the book as a springboard for a discussion on ethics and morality. This can lead to a deeper conversation on what your child thinks is right or wrong and why.
Create a fun quiz for your child based on the rulers in the book to keep them engaged and test their understanding of what they've read.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical contexts
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling and historical facts, the book educates young readers about various rulers' decisions and actions within their respective eras.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children develop a perspective on why people acted as they did in the past, promoting a deeper understanding of history and encouraging critical thinking about past and present actions.
Example Lesson: Recognizing the impact of leadership
Explanation: The book portrays how different rulers' decisions influenced the course of history, showing both positive and negative outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to recognize the importance of good leadership and decision-making in their own lives, such as in school projects or team activities.
Example Lesson: Developing moral judgment
Explanation: The book presents a variety of rulers with different moral compasses, inviting readers to evaluate their actions and ethics.
Real-World Application: This aids in the development of personal ethics and helps children differentiate between right and wrong, fostering a sense of justice and personal values.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: By examining the failures and flaws of historical figures, the book highlights the consequences of poor decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to make better choices by understanding the ramifications of actions, which is essential in their everyday problem-solving and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciating diversity in histories
Explanation: The book showcases rulers from various cultures and time periods, providing a broad spectrum of historical leadership.
Real-World Application: This exposure helps children appreciate cultural diversity and promotes open-mindedness towards different societal norms and practices around the world.