Hatshepsut life biography examples

1. Biography of Hatshepsut
2. Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
3. Joint Rule and the Rise of Hatshepsut
4. The Erasure of Hatshepsut's Legacy
5. Legacy and Achievements

Biography of Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut, an Egyptian queen, ruled from 1501 to 1481 BC. She was the daughter of Thutmose I and Queen Ahmose, the daughter of Amenhotep I. As the only surviving child of the dynasty, Hatshepsut was appointed as her father's successor in the middle of his reign. She was married to her stepbrother Thutmose III, but effectively sidelined him from power and officially declared herself pharaoh. Hatshepsut relied mainly on the priesthood of the god Amun. Under her rule, Egypt's possessions in Palestine and Syria were nearly lost, a trade expedition to Punt was conducted, and extensive temple construction took place. After Hatshepsut's death, Thutmose III ordered the erasure of her name and images everywhere in an attempt to destroy her memory.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Hatshepsut was the only surviving child of Thutmose I and his wife Queen Ahmose. She belonged to the ancient Theban noble family that fought against the Hyksos and successfully expelled them from Egypt. As the sole survivor of this ancient lineage, Hatshepsut had strong support from the legitimate party that believed only this line had the right to the throne. Due to this support, Thutmose I appointed her as his successor, despite the national aversion to female rule that had been present throughout Egyptian history. Thutmose I had two sons from other wives: one, who later became Thutmose II, was the son of Princess Mutnofret, and the other, who later became Thutmose III, was born to an unknown concubine named Isis. The end of Thutmose's reign and the period that followed are shrouded in obscurity, but it is believed that Hatshepsut and Thutmose III faced internal struggles for power.

Joint Rule and the Rise of Hatshepsut

After the death of Thutmose I, Hatshepsut and Thutmose II became co-rulers, although Hatshepsut held the majority of the power. The legitimate party supporting Hatshepsut was so strong that she was able to govern alongside Thutmose III, even though he had the rightful claim to the throne. Hatshepsut immediately began independent projects and the construction of royal monuments, particularly the magnificent mortuary temple in Deir el-Bahari. She was supported by influential figures such as Senenmut, who became her trusted advisor, and Hapuseneb, the high priest of Amun and the head of the powerful priestly party. The state machinery was in the hands of Hatshepsut's supporters, and she took on the role of a powerful leader in the country.

The Erasure of Hatshepsut's Legacy

After the death of Thutmose II, Hatshepsut continued to rule as pharaoh, but faced opposition from Thutmose III and his supporters. In an attempt to secure his own power, Thutmose III erased Hatshepsut's name and images on monuments and replaced them with his own. However, Hatshepsut's party remained influential, and Thutmose III was forced to acknowledge her as his co-ruler. The reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III was counted from the moment Thutmose III first ascended the throne, as if the brief reign of Thutmose II had never happened.

Legacy and Achievements

Hatshepsut's reign marked a significant period in Egyptian history. She was known for her ambitious building projects and the expansion of trade. Her mortuary temple in Deir el-Bahari is a testament to her architectural achievements. Hatshepsut's legacy was significant, as she was one of the first known female rulers in history. However, her memory was largely erased by Thutmose III, and it was not until modern times that her contributions and accomplishments were rediscovered and recognized. Hatshepsut's reign serves as a reminder of the power and influence that women have had throughout history, even in male-dominated societies.