Hatshepsut

Definition

Hatshepsut was one of the few female pharaohs of ancient Egypt, reigning during the 18th Dynasty from around 1479 to 1458 BCE. Known for her prosperous reign, she significantly expanded trade networks and initiated impressive building projects, including her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, which is a prime example of monumental architecture and reflects the grandeur associated with Egyptian religion and art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hatshepsut is notable for donning male pharaonic attire, including a false beard, to reinforce her authority as a female ruler in a male-dominated society.
2. She focused on trade expansion during her reign, notably sending a successful expedition to the Land of Punt that brought back valuable goods like incense and exotic animals.
3. Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari is celebrated for its architectural innovation, featuring terraced levels that blend harmoniously with the surrounding cliffs.
4. After her death, many of her monuments were defaced and inscriptions altered by her stepson Thutmose III, who sought to erase her legacy.
5. Her reign marked a period of relative peace and prosperity in Egypt, allowing for advancements in arts and architecture that left a lasting cultural impact.

Review Questions

• How did Hatshepsut challenge traditional gender roles during her reign as pharaoh?
  • Hatshepsut challenged traditional gender roles by adopting male pharaonic attire and titles to assert her authority. She portrayed herself as a co-ruler with her stepson Thutmose III while emphasizing her divine right to rule through imagery and inscriptions. Her portrayal in art as a male pharaoh served to legitimize her rule in a society that typically reserved leadership roles for men.
• Discuss the significance of Hatshepsut's trade expeditions and how they influenced Egypt's economy during her rule.
  • Hatshepsut's trade expeditions significantly enhanced Egypt's economy by expanding access to luxury goods and resources from other regions. The most famous expedition was to the Land of Punt, which brought back valuable commodities such as myrrh, gold, and exotic animals. This not only enriched the Egyptian treasury but also facilitated cultural exchanges that influenced art and religious practices during her reign.
• Evaluate Hatshepsut's impact on Egyptian architecture and how her projects reflected religious beliefs.
  • Hatshepsut's impact on Egyptian architecture is exemplified by her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, which combined artistic innovation with religious significance. The temple's design emphasized harmony with nature and featured elaborate reliefs depicting her divine birth and achievements. These architectural endeavors were not just expressions of power; they reflected her deep connection to the gods and the importance of monumental structures in ancient Egyptian religion, influencing future generations of builders.

Related terms

Pharaoh: The title used for ancient Egyptian rulers, considered both political leaders and divine figures with a crucial role in maintaining ma'at, or cosmic order.

Deir el-Bahari: The site of Hatshepsut's mortuary temple, showcasing remarkable architectural design and reliefs that depict her life and divine birth.

Obelisks: Tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monuments that were often erected in pairs at the entrances of temples, symbolizing the sun god Ra and representing Hatshepsut's devotion to religion.