One of only a few women to rule ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut achieved rare power as a queen. The daughter of King Thutmose I and Queen Ahmose, Hatshepsut married her half brother Thutmose II (a common practice in the day). When her father died in about 1482 BC, Hatshepsut and her husband came to power. In 1479 Thutmose II died. Hatshepsut became regent, or official representative, for her stepson, Thutmose III. For a while Hatshepsut governed on behalf of the young king. But she steadily gained in influence and soon had herself crowned pharaoh. The pharaohs held supreme power in Egypt; they were even believed to be part god. To strengthen her image as ruler, Hatshepsut wore the traditional attire of a pharaoh—complete with headdress and false beard. To ensure her success she surrounded herself with a group of loyal officials, who held key positions in her government. With an eye toward expanding trade, Queen Hatshepsut ordered an expedition to travel down the Red Sea to the Land of Punt, a region on the African coast (probably present-day Somalia). The ships returned with gold, ebony, animal skins, spices, and myrrh trees to be planted at a temple the queen planned. Situated on the western bank of the Nile River near Thebes, the temple is regarded as Hatshepsut's major accomplishment. Wall murals there record the significant events of her reign. As the queen and her supporters grew older and weaker, Thutmose III and his followers grew stronger. It is not known whether Hatshepsut died naturally or in a power struggle, but she was succeeded by Thutmose III, probably in 1458 BC. |