Hatshepsut (Maatkare)
1473 - 1458 
The First Female Pharaoh

Hatshepsut was the fifth ruler of the 18th Dynasty. Hatshepsut ruled with her husband's son, Thutmose II, born to a minor wife, due to the boy's age at the time of his father's death. They ruled jointly until 1473 when she declared herself pharaoh. She built her magnificent temple at Deir el Bahari in Thebes. Hatshepsut sent a fleet of trading ships to the Land of Punt. She traded fruit, meat, and colorful beads for gold. Hatshepsut disappeared in 1458 B.C. when Thutmose III, wishing to reclaim the throne, led a revolt. Thutmose had her shrines, statues, and relief mutilated.

Below is the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut. It was built by the Great Steward of Amun, Sennemut. The temple was very different from the ones built before it. It has three terraces. It is nestled at the foot of the great white cliffs at Karnak directly opposite the main entrance to the temple of Amun.

Photos courtesy and © 2000 Steven Venter, Africa for Visitors