Hatshepsut - Female Pharaoh of Egypt

Hatshepsut was unique in history, not because she ruled Egypt though she was a woman -- several other women did so before and after -- but because she took on the full identify of a male pharaoh, and because she presided over a long period of stability and prosperity. Most female rulers in Egypt had short reigns in turbulent times. Hatshepsut's building program resulted in many beautiful temples, statues, tombs, and inscriptions. Her travel to the Land of Punt showed her contribution to trade and commerce.