The Similarities Between Hatshepsut And Ramses II

In order to be remembered, one must be extraordinary and no two leaders earned their places in history books more than Hatshepsut and Ramses II.

Master politician, Pharaoh, elegant stateswoman these are just a few achievements off Hatshepsut’s long list of credentials. Khanumut-Amun Hatshepsut was born in 1508 BC to the Pharaoh Thutmose I and his principal wife, Ahmose. To begin with, Hatshepsut’s father died the year she turned 12. It was also at 12 years old that Hatshepsut married her 1/2 brother, Thutmose II. This was a common practice, they believed it kept the royal blood line pure. However, Thutmose II died after a 15 year reign. “But who shall inherit the throne?” You ask. Well, since Hatshepsut never had any children with him it was

Still, Thutmose was but a small child and had to turn 18 before he could assume true power. So, Hatshepsut became his regent, ruling for him. Then, years later Hatshepsut did the unthinkable, she declared herself, a woman, Pharaoh of Egypt. Hatshepsut’s 20 year reign was filled with riches, splendor and decisions. By re-establishing trade routes, she brought great wealth to Egypt. During her reign, Egypt was at it’s true zenith. Hatshepsut is also known for creating the 2nd largest obelisk in the history of the world. She created many other colossal monuments such as the “Temple of Hatshepsut” What drove Hatshepsut to build such capacious masterpieces? She said it herself,”Now my heart turns this way and that, as I think what the people say. Those who shall see my monuments in years to come and who shall speak of what I have done.” Controversially, Hatshepsut wore a shendyt kilt, Nemes headdress, khat headcloth and false beard. This wasn’t in attempt to fool people of her sex but to serve as a reminder of her supreme authority. Not so shockingly, after Hatshepsut’s death in 1482 BC Thutmose III did everything in his power to erase her name from history. As you can tell from this report, he didn’t

Check out military genius and the perennial Pharaoh Ramses II. The nineteenth dynasty king was born in 1303 BC to Pharaoh Seti I and Queen Tuya. Ramses became Pharaoh in 1279 BC after his father passed away from old age. This was no culture shock. Previously, he had been undergoing “ Pharaoh Lessons” with his father. Starting at a young age he accompanied the Pharaoh to events to learn his job, in a sense it was kind of like an ancient egyptian career day every day. Ramses the Great earned his epithet. He was a courageous military leader, what else can you expect from someone who was appointed “First Commander of the Army” at age 10? Thus, Ramses emerged victorious from many battles and managed to restore land lost by former Pharaohs. At the same time, he was quite the “family man”. He is said to of sired over 100 children in his lifetime. Not to mention, Ramses II built more temples, statues and cities than any other Pharaoh before him. A grand total of 15 major monuments. Ultimately, the beloved, red headed pharaoh died at the age of 90. To put this in perspective the average Ancient Egyptian man’s life span was ~33 years. Whether Ramses the Great was building the Ramesseum or bravely leading troops into the battle of Kadesh he always kept the greater good of Egypt in