Queen Hatshepsut (pronounced: hawt jhet suit)

One of several female rulers of ancient Egypt, and a Pharaoh! Queen Hatshepsut was the wife of King Thutmose II (1507-1458 BC), the daughter of King Thutmose I and step-mother to the real heir of the throne, Thutmose III. Yes, that means Thutmose II is related to Hatshepsut, her step-brother.

OK, now we know who married who so on with the story. Good ole Thut II checks out and his son, who is just a boy, is too young to be a ruler so Hatshepsut, being such a good step-mom, steps in and agrees to be co-regent. What a nice lady.

For the next 24 years Hatshepsut not only rules Egypt, but she convinces the population and high priest that she is actually of royal blood (Dad was Thutmose I) and should be a Pharaoh. And it works, complete with depictions / carvings showing her with a false beard. Pharaohs must have a beard so they put one on her. No big deal.

Queen Hatshepsut depicted as a Sphinx with a false beard

View from the Queen’s temple. (Lot of pieces still needing to be put together)

The Goddess Hathor depicted as a cow giving life (milk) to Hatshepsut

All the while little Thutmose III was off running her army and basically staying out of her way. Even though she was a woman ruler, she was very powerful and respected by the people. Not someone Thutmose III should mess with.

During her rein, Pharaoh Hatshepsut went on a building spree. Temples, tombs, statues, icons, you name it, and all in her likeness or adorned with her accomplishments. As a matter of fact, she had decided to be buried with Dad so she had his temple rebuilt to make room for her, and her ego. This would also ensure she was buried in the Valley of the Kings, not the Queens.

But there still needed to be something in the Valley of the Queens to reflect her as a ruler, enter the Hatshepsut Mortuary Temple. What a massive temple! Located on a hillside in the Valley of the Queens, this temple is the biggest structure in the valley, both king and queen valleys. 13 years in the making, this temple has a large, elegant ramp leading to the top level that had several landings with lush gardens on both sides. Obelisks, sphinxes, towers and columns all make for a grand entry that is matched by no other in this valley.

Entrance to Valley of the Queens

Queen Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple

Pharaoh Hatshepsut also expanded trade with neighboring countries. Since she couldn’t lead the army, trade and prosperity were her tools. The economy flourished and the people loved her for it. Probably another reason for Thutmose III to be silent. But his time was coming.

Upon the death of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, Thutmose III takes the throne. First thing he does, orders all references and depictions of Mommy Dearest removed! Masons begin the massive job of chiseling her face, hands and in some cases the entire body, from the walls of hundreds of temples, tombs, chapels, etc. Unfortunately, he waited too long and checked out before the job was finished. 30 years as Pharaoh and he still didn’t get to all of her depictions! But Thutmose III ruled for 54 years, not 30. Oh yeah, sort of. He added the time he was co-regent with his step-mother to his time as the Pharaoh, so her 24 years were added to his 30 years. Make sense?

Loading the Queen’s barge for the after-life

The Queen’s barge sailing into the after-life

The God Horus accepting gifts in favor of the Queen

Enter Amenhotep II, the new sheriff in town. He orders all defacing efforts stopped because he wanted the temples built by previous rulers repaired and kept in good order, especially his grandmothers (by marriage) Yep, Amen is Thutmose III’s son. This can get confusing. So, it came to be that Hatshepsut’s temple was left alone until discovered in the late 1700’s. And what a find. The tomb had been looted so not a lot of artifacts, but the depictions, just amazing.

Ceiling with painted stars in the Queen’s temple

Goddesses of North and South Egypt joining together to make one country

How all this is held together, wood dovetail

Next up, Valley of the Kings. If you think the artwork in the tombs of the Queens is amazing, wait till you see the Kings. We visited 6 of the 11 open tombs and they are the best preserved. Among them was Seti I, Ramesses II and of course, Tutankhamen. Hopefully I can get those loaded tomorrow, internet is pretty sketchy.

The only original statue remaining depicting the Queen with a false beard (restored)

Till tomorrow.