born 1503? B.C.E., reigned 1473-1458 B.C.E.
Eighteenth Dynasty, New Kingdom
Known for: woman pharaoh (ruler) of Egypt. A major temple in her honor was built at Deir el-Bahri (Dayru l-Bahri) near Thebes.
Hatshepsut also known as: Hatchepsut, Hatshepset, Hatshepsowe
Places Connected with Hapshepsut: Egypt, Thebes, Karnak, Luxor, Deir el-Bahri (Deir el Bahari, Dayru l-Bahri)
Hatshepsut and Hatshepsut's Temple: Hatshepsut Image Gallery
Hatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmose I and his royal wife, Ahmose. Hatshepsut married her half-brother Thutmose II. As his chief queen, Hatshepsut bore him one daughter, Neferure, one of three known offspring of Thutmose II. Thutmose III, son of one of Thutmose II's minor wives, became the Pharaoh on the death of Thutmose II. Thutmose III was very young (estimated between 2 and 10 years old), and Hatshepsut became regent for her stepson and nephew.
Hatshepsut gradually assumed the titles, powers and even the ceremonial clothing and beard of a male Pharaoh, claiming legitimacy through a divine birth, even calling herself a "female Horus." She was formally crowned as king in about year 7 of her co-reign with Thutmose III.
Senenmut, an architect, became a key advisor and powerful official under the reign of Hatshepsut. The relationship between Hatshepsut and Senenmut is debated; he was given unusual honors for a palace official.
In June 2007, the Discovery Channel and Dr. Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced a "positive identification" of a mummy as Hatshepsut's, and a documentary, Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen.
- Review: Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen
- Interview with Dr. Kara Cooney
- How Was Hatshepsut's Mummy Identified?
- Egyptian Archaeologists Identify Remains of Hatshepsut, Female Pharaoh
Many of these details are still being debated by scholars.
Robins, Gay. Women in Ancient Egypt. 1993. (compare prices)
Tyldesley, Joyce. Hatchepsut, the Female Pharaoh. 1996. (compare prices)
Fiedler, Joseph Daniel. Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself. 2001. Ages 9-12.
Carter, Dorothy Sharp. His Majesty, Queen Hatshepsut. 1987. Young Adult. (compare prices)
