Hatszepsut Where to Stay
Hatshepsut: The Female Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt
Hatshepsut was one of the most successful and innovative pharaohs of ancient Egypt, ruling for over 20 years during the 15th century BC. She was a female pharaoh who defied convention and tradition by wearing the full regalia of kingship, including the khat head cloth and the crook and flail symbols of power.
Early Life and Ascension
Hatshepsut was born around 1508 BC to Thutmose I and his primary wife, Ahmose. She married her half-brother, Thutmose II, who had inherited the throne from their father, and became queen consort. After Thutmose II’s death, Hatshepsut took on more influential roles in court and eventually declared herself pharaoh, taking the throne around 1479 BC.
Military Campaigns
Hatshepsut launched several successful military campaigns to establish Egypt as a major power in the region. She invaded Nubia, a neighboring kingdom, and brought back wealth and resources. Her most famous campaign was against the land of Punt, where she established trade routes and obtained valuable goods such as incense, ebony, and electrum.
Building Projects
Hatshepsut oversaw numerous building projects throughout Egypt, including temples, tombs, and cities. The most famous of these is her magnificent temple at Deir el-Bahri, which was designed to resemble a great papyrus flower. This temple complex was built on the west bank of the Nile River, opposite Luxor, and took around 15 years to complete.
Economic Reforms
Hatshepsut implemented several economic reforms that helped to revitalize Egypt’s economy. She reorganized the system of taxation and commerce, established trade agreements with neighboring kingdoms, and encouraged agriculture and industry. Her policies led to a period of great prosperity for Egypt during her reign.
Cultural Achievements
Hatshepsut was a patron of the arts and supported the development of literature, music, and architecture. She encouraged artists to create works that celebrated her achievements and those of her predecessors. Many of these artistic creations have survived to this day, including paintings, reliefs, and sculptures found in temples throughout Egypt.
Later Life and Succession
As Hatshepsut grew older, she became increasingly reclusive and stopped appearing in public as pharaoh. She eventually died around 1458 BC, and her half-brother Thutmose III took the throne, erasing many of her achievements from the historical record. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Hatshepsut’s significance was recognized, and she is now considered one of the most successful and innovative pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history.
Legacy
Hatshepsut’s legacy extends beyond her impressive architectural achievements and military conquests. She paved the way for future generations of women to hold positions of power in ancient Egypt and inspired countless people around the world with her story of perseverance, innovation, and determination.