One of the few female pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history, Hatshepsut left a lasting and impressive legacy. His reign, marked by peace, prosperity and grand architectural achievements, cemented his place among the great rulers of ancient Egypt. In this story, we will explore the life and reign of Hatshepsut, with a focus on key moments in her story.
The origins of Hatshepsut
Born around 1507 BC. J.-C., Hatshepsout is the daughter of the pharaoh Thutmose I and Queen Ahmes. After the death of her father, she marries her half-brother, Thutmose II, who becomes pharaoh. As Grand Royal Wife, she plays a crucial role in managing the affairs of the state and the royal family.
The rise to power
On the untimely death of Thutmose IIHis son Tuthmosis III, born of a secondary wife, is too young to govern. Hatshepsout, then regent, decides to seize power and proclaim herself pharaoh. She adopts the traditional titles and attributes of male pharaohs, including false beards and royal garments, and portrays herself in male features in monuments and statues.
The prosperous reign of Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut reigns for approximately 22 years, during which time Egypt experiences stability, peace and prosperity. It focuses on strengthening the Egyptian economy and developing trade with neighboring countries. The expedition to Punt, a region in present-day Eritrea and Sudan, is one of the most prominent examples of his efforts to stimulate trade.
The architectural achievements
Hatshepsut is also famous for her grand architectural achievements. The funerary temple of Deir el Bahari, known as the Temple of Hatshepsut, is one of his greatest achievements. This magnificent and innovative complex, built on several levels and surrounded by colonnades, is a masterpiece of Egyptian architecture. Hatshepsut also commissioned many obelisks and monuments in the temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The end of the reign and the attempt to erase his legacy
Hatshepsut died around 1458 BC. J.-C., leaving the throne to Tuthmosis III, who had already been co-regent for several years. After Hatshepsut's death, Thutmose III and his son, Amenhotep II, attempt to erase her legacy by destroying her monuments and erasing her name from inscriptions. This campaign of erasure has long made it difficult to comprehend the extent of his reign and his accomplishments.
The rediscovery of Hatshepsut
Despite efforts to erase her legacy, Hatshepsut's story has been rediscovered through the work of modern Egyptologists and archaeologists. The discovery of his funerary temple at Deir el Bahari and the analysis of inscriptions and objects found have made it possible to reconstruct the contours of her reign and to understand the importance of her role as a female pharaoh.
Hatshepsut and popular culture
The fascinating story of Hatshepsut has captured the imagination of writers, filmmakers and the general public. She has become a symbol of female power and perseverance in the face of adversity. Its story has inspired novels, films and documentaries, contributing to the popularity of ancient Egypt in popular culture.
Hatshepsut's Legacy
Hatshepsut left a lasting legacy as one of the few female pharaohs in Egyptian history and as a successful and ambitious ruler. Her architectural achievements, her efforts to stimulate the economy and trade, and her ability to govern despite the challenges of her gender made her a role model for future generations. The story of Hatshepsut remains a fascinating testimony to the strength and determination of a woman who managed to leave her mark on the history of ancient Egypt.
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||