Hatshepsut

The fifth Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty and regarded as the greatest pharaoh of the 18th dynasty; Hatshepsut reigned longer than any woman of any of the Indigenous Kemetian (Egypt) Dynasties. Born of royal lineage in 1508 BC in Ancient Kemet the daughter of Tuthmose I and Aahmes; Hatshepsut was destined to become great. With the death of her two brothers and the death of her father, Hatshepsut was favored to become Pharaoh, but Tuthmose II ascended to the throne after his father. Tuthmose II only served for three years after dying because of a skin disease. Hatshepsut became Queen Dowager; although Tuthmose III was in line to become Pharaoh he was too young.

After gaining control of the reigns in Kemet, Hatshepsut had to be smart enough to keep her control. Her Nephew Tuthmose III was becoming older and wanted to rule; Hatshepsut used propaganda ad keen political skills to remain in power. To decrease fear among her people Hatshepsut made herself Pharaoh in all statuary and relief during her twenty year reign. Dressing as a Pharaoh she even wore the beard the Pharaohs wear; she also gave the people of Kemet fifteen years of no war. Hatshepsut was widely known for her expeditions to the land of Punt in search of Ivory, animals, spices, gold and aromatic trees. With no war she was able to expand the kingdoms economic power and restored the Monuments of Kemet and Nubia.

During her reign the 18th dynasty prospered as great as any other dynasty. Hatshepsut as a female ruler boosted Kemet’s reputation as an Economic power in the ancient world.  Upon dying in 1458 BC Hatshepsut’s memory was being erased by Tuthmose III, which was believed to be spurred by his grudge he held for her. Despite the destruction to the memory of the great female Pharaoh, her memory lives today because of her great reign as a Pharaoh which caused Kemet to prosper for twenty peaceful years. Hatshepsut was the blueprint for female power and dignity; she gave the female ruler prestige and respect. Pharaoh Hatshepsut we stand on your shoulders.

J.A. Ward.

​Click below to view the Hatshepsut video