Impact Of Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut is renowned for being one of the most influential yet unknown Egyptian rulers of all time. Hatshepsut descended from Thutmose (I), a respected former Pharaoh and ruled Egypt for 15 years, focusing her reign on architecture and expeditions, rather than expanding Egypt (Johnson, 1978). Hatshepsut married her half-brother Thutmose (II) and after his death, overtook his reign, claiming the position of Pharaoh despite her step-son Thutmose (III) being the heir. Hatshepsut then assumed the role of co-regent, alongside her step-son and later, she procured the Double Crown (Gardiner, 1961). Hatshepsut was a remarkable ruler despite aspects of her reign making her a “sensationalist schemer”. These attributes can be excused due to the necessity

Hatshepsut took the traditionalist route and instead of expanding the Egyptian empire, like many Pharaoh’s before her, including her idolised father, Thutmose (I), she improved architecture and embellished Egypt with trade. While Hatshepsut was generally positively viewed in the ancient world, due to her successful building and trade expeditions, her lack of attempts to expand was seen negatively. Although her lack of attempts to expand Egyptian territory could be interpreted as Hatshepsut’s reign being unsuccessful, The Civilisation of Ancient Egypt (Johnson, 1978) argues Hatshepsut’s gender prevented her from campaigning. Johnson possesses a revisionist and marginalised view and is sympathetic in recognising the social and cultural barriers that may have prevented her from fulfilling the expected role as Pharaoh. Her claim to throne is justified through a coronation inscription based off a speech given by Thutmose (I), “She will command the people in every place of the palace; she will lead you; she will proclaim her word, you will be united under her command.” The speech expresses Thutmose’s (I) confidence in Hatshepsut’s ability to rule and confirms that she is the heir to the throne. The inscription, while providing insight into Thutmose’s (I) view on Hatshepsut’s abilities to rule, may have been biased, faked or exaggerated to assist in propaganda

A venerated ancient Egyptian figure, Amun, expressed his belief in Hatshepsut through an inscription on a wall at Deir el-Bahri. “Welcome my sweet daughter, my favourite, the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Maatkare, Hatshepsut Thou art King, taking possession of the Two Lands” (de Masson, 2012.) The confidence instilled by Amun allowed Hatshepsut to gain political advantage and further transform Egypt. Architecturally, Hatshepsut erected two obelisks, structures associated with great power and ability. Although the dominant perspective of the time has been erased, the cultural remains of Hatshepsut still seen today project a positive image. Hatshepsut’s reign and her focuses within the reign all indicate that she was a remarkable