The Story of Hatshepsut
The Story of Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut, who lived between 1508 and 1458 BC, ruled Egypt for about two decades. Among the first female monarchs to reign anywhere in the world, she is regarded as one of the most successful pharaohs in Egypt’s long history. Hatshepsut’s prosperous reign helped shape her country into a stronger power and prepare it for future expansion into a great empire. Thanks to plenty of accounts by contemporaries and historians of the ancient world, her story remains well-known today.
Hatshepsut was the daughter of King Thutmose I and Queen Ahmose. A military leader who served the previous pharaoh, Thutmose I was known for his wartime accomplishments. Of his wife, Ahmose, less is known; whether she was the sister or daughter of the previous pharaoh is not clear. Hatshepsut was close to her parents and held important posts in their court.
On her father’s death, his young son Thutmose II became pharaoh. Because royal lineage was traced through women, Thutmose II married his half-sister, Hatshepsut. Thutmose II died young, leaving the infant Thutmose III, his son by another wife, his heir. This set the stage for Hatshepsut to become regent and later declare herself pharaoh. Hatshepsut had other half-brothers, and at least one sister – but history does not record many details of their lives.
On her temple wall Hatshepsut depicts herself as being presented to the gods.
This picture depicts her mother seated on the birth stool ready to give birth to her baby
On her father’s death, his young son Thutmose II became pharaoh. Because royal lineage was traced through women, Thutmose II married his half-sister, Hatshepsut. Thutmose II died young, leaving the infant Thutmose III, his son by another wife, his heir. This set the stage for Hatshepsut to become regent and later declare herself pharaoh. Hatshepsut had other half-brothers, and at least one sister – but history does not record many details of their lives.
The intimate details of Hatshepsut’s life are sometimes hard to pin down. It is not known, for example, how she persuaded Egypt’s elites to accept her as pharaoh. But one man, Senenmut, may have played a large role – and he is widely believed to have been her lover. Senenmut was of common descent, but he was also one of many officials Hatshepsut selected herself while paving the way to become pharaoh.
He is referred to in records as the “Steward of the God’s Wife” – meaning Hatshepsut – and other lofty titles. Senenmut was the architect for many of Hatshepsut’s building projects. Hatshepsut also shared a relationship with Thutmose II, but his death makes the specifics mysterious.
He is referred to in records as the “Steward of the God’s Wife” – meaning Hatshepsut – and other lofty titles. Senenmut was the architect for many of Hatshepsut’s building projects. Hatshepsut also shared a relationship with Thutmose II, but his death makes the specifics mysterious.
Her Children:
Hatshepsut’s only child was Neferure, her daughter by Thutmose II. Neferure was born during Thutmose II’s reign. In her early life she was cared for by Senemut, who was her tutor, and other officials. During her mother’s reign, Princess Neferure was active in the Egyptian court and held many royal titles bestowing important religious duties.
The time of Neferure’s death and her place of burial are not yet known, though research suggests it may have occurred between 11 and 16 AD. Sculptures suggest Neferure may have married Thutmose III.
The time of Neferure’s death and her place of burial are not yet known, though research suggests it may have occurred between 11 and 16 AD. Sculptures suggest Neferure may have married Thutmose III.
Statues of Goddess Hatshepsut
