Hatshepsut accomplished what no other woman had before her. She ruled the most powerful civilization for over 20 years.
Again in our history of this wise and powerful Queen we find the familiar story of disempowerment of the feminine divine.
In 1479 BC the throne went to Thutmose III but he was very young to rule. so his mother Hatshepsut took over and acted as a regent until her stepson came of age.
According to Ancient History website, “in the seventh year of her regency, though, she changed the rules and had herself crowned Pharaoh of Egypt. She took on all the royal titles.” Hatshepsut had been represented as a woman in earlier statues and relief sculptures, after her coronation as king though, she started appearing with male dresses and gradually became represented with male physique. Hatshepsut felt that she had the right to rule Egypt like any man.
Her male appearance wasn’t meant to manipulate the people in believing that their Pharaoh was a man. She was showing that she also was a Pharaoh. Hatshepsut lived a peaceful life, her reign was a period of great prosperity and peace. she built many temples and focused on Egypt’s economy by conducting highly profitable trading activities. However, not everyone was fond of her achievements. Upon her death, Thutmose lll reclaimed the throne. He became a great Pharaoh and was also known as ‘The Napoleon of Ancient Egypt’ for his military victories.
He destroyed almost everything Hatshepsut built. He had all the evidence of her existence destroyed.
Her statues were destroyed , her monuments were defaced and many of her achievements were ascribed to other Pharaohs.
In recent times they have discovered the dismantled pieces of Hatshepsut’s most recognizable addition to the famed temple of Karnak and the site from which the procession of the Beautiful Festival of the Valley departed.
According to the “Story of Hatshepsut” article, she built two obelisks of red granite and her name appeared on them. Thutmose lll destroyed one of the obelisks. She remained largely unknown until the 19th century.
Hatshepsut accomplished what no other woman had before her. She ruled the most powerful civilization for over 20 years.
Hapshepsut re-established productive trade networks including returning from Punt with 31 live Myrrh Trees. See Land of Punt.