Hatshepsut

Definition

Hatshepsut was one of the few female pharaohs of ancient Egypt, reigning during the 18th Dynasty from around 1479 to 1458 BCE. She is known for her extensive building projects, monumental architecture, and successful trade expeditions, which helped to stabilize and enrich Egypt during her rule. Her reign marked a significant period in Egyptian history where she skillfully navigated the challenges of gender and power dynamics in a male-dominated society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hatshepsut ascended to the throne as a co-regent with her stepson Thutmose III after the death of her husband, Thutmose II.
2. She is often depicted wearing male regalia, including a false beard, to assert her authority as pharaoh in a traditionally male role.
3. Hatshepsut initiated numerous trade expeditions, notably to Punt, which brought wealth and exotic goods back to Egypt.
4. Her reign is characterized by peace and prosperity, allowing for significant developments in art, architecture, and trade.
5. After her death, there was an attempt to erase her legacy, with many of her monuments defaced and her name removed from historical records by Thutmose III.

Review Questions

• How did Hatshepsut navigate the challenges of being a female pharaoh in a predominantly male-dominated society?
  • Hatshepsut navigated the challenges of being a female pharaoh by adopting male regalia, including a false beard and traditional pharaonic attire, which helped her assert authority. She presented herself as a legitimate ruler through propaganda and monumental architecture that celebrated her achievements. By positioning herself as a divine ruler chosen by the gods, she effectively gained acceptance in a role typically reserved for men.
• Evaluate the significance of Hatshepsut's trade expeditions during her reign and how they impacted ancient Egyptian society.
  • Hatshepsut's trade expeditions were significant as they expanded Egypt's economic reach and established valuable trade relationships with distant lands. The most notable expedition was to Punt, which brought back wealth in the form of gold, myrrh, and exotic animals. This influx of resources not only enriched Egypt but also enhanced its cultural exchange and artistic development during her reign.
• Assess how Hatshepsut's legacy was altered after her death and what this reflects about the historical narrative of female leadership in ancient Egypt.
  • After Hatshepsut's death, her legacy was largely diminished by Thutmose III, who sought to erase her memory from history through defacement of her monuments and removal of her name from official records. This reflects a broader historical narrative where female leadership faced resistance and erasure in patriarchal societies. The attempts to diminish Hatshepsut's accomplishments highlight the challenges women faced in gaining recognition and respect in leadership roles throughout history.

Related terms

Thutmose III:

The stepson of Hatshepsut and her co-regent, who became one of Egypt's greatest military leaders and expanded the empire after her reign.

Obelisk: A tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument that was often erected in ancient Egypt to honor the gods and commemorate pharaohs, including those built during Hatshepsut's reign.

Mortuary Temple: A temple built to honor and house the cult of a deceased pharaoh; Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari is one of the most famous examples.