Hatshepsut

Definition

Hatshepsut was one of the few female pharaohs of ancient Egypt, ruling during the 18th Dynasty around 1479 to 1458 BCE. She is notable for her unprecedented reign as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated society and is often recognized for her monumental building projects and trade expeditions that expanded Egypt's wealth and influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hatshepsut initially served as regent for her stepson Thutmose III but later proclaimed herself pharaoh, adopting male titles and imagery to solidify her authority.
2. Her most famous architectural achievement is her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, which features unique terraced levels and elaborate reliefs depicting her reign.
3. Hatshepsut launched successful trade expeditions, notably to the Land of Punt, which brought back valuable goods such as gold, ivory, and exotic animals to Egypt.
4. She often depicted herself in traditional male pharaoh attire, including a false beard and kilt, challenging gender norms of her time.
5. After her death, Hatshepsut's legacy was almost erased by her stepson Thutmose III, who sought to remove her name from monuments and records.

Review Questions

• How did Hatshepsut navigate her role as a female pharaoh in a male-dominated society, and what strategies did she employ to assert her authority?
  • Hatshepsut navigated her role as a female pharaoh by adopting male titles, clothing, and imagery to present herself as an equal to her male predecessors. She emphasized her divine birth narrative, claiming that she was chosen by the god Amun to rule. By positioning herself both politically and religiously as a legitimate ruler, she effectively asserted her authority in a society that traditionally viewed leadership as a male domain.
• Discuss the significance of Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari in the context of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious practices.
  • Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari is significant for its innovative architectural design and its role in ancient Egyptian religious practices. The temple's terraces blend seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs, creating a visually stunning landscape that reflects her grandeur. The elaborate reliefs inside depict not only her achievements but also rituals aimed at ensuring her successful afterlife, showcasing the importance of mortuary temples in honoring pharaohs and their relationship with the divine.
• Evaluate the impact of Hatshepsut’s trade expeditions on Egypt's economy and international relations during her reign.
  • Hatshepsut's trade expeditions significantly impacted Egypt's economy by enhancing wealth through the acquisition of luxury goods from distant lands like Punt. These expeditions not only brought riches such as gold and exotic animals but also established stronger international ties with other regions. This expansion of trade routes under Hatshepsut helped solidify Egypt's position as a powerful player in international trade networks, fostering cultural exchanges and contributing to the prosperity of the empire during her reign.

Related terms

Pharaoh: The title used for the ancient Egyptian rulers, considered both political and religious leaders, who held absolute power over their kingdom.

Obelisk: A tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument with a pyramidion on top, often erected in ancient Egypt to commemorate significant events or individuals.

Mortuary Temple: A temple built for the purpose of honoring and worshiping a deceased pharaoh, often located near their tomb and used for rituals associated with their afterlife.