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The Hatshepsut Of Egypt During The 18th Dynasty

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Queen Maatkare Hatshepsut, Pharaoh of Egypt during the 18th dynasty, from 1473 BC to 1458 BC, was one of only a handful of female rulers of ancient Egypt. Her story is unique in Egyptian history, and reigned longer than any other female pharaoh. Thutmose I, had many wives, and many children. However, Hatshepsut was the daughter and only child of Thutmose I and his primary wife Ahmose. Hatshepsut, was favored by her parents over her brothers. She was beautiful, smart, and had a charismatic personality. Thus, despite her being a female, she had the makings to become a queen. Her two brothers, died in unknown accidents, and she should have succeeded her father, as king, if she was born a male. Thutmose I, Hatshepsut’s father’s reign was …show more content…

Technically, Hatshepsut did not ‘usurp’ the crown, as Thutmose III was never deposed, and was considered co-ruler throughout her life. Hatshepsut was the principal ruler in power, she began to reign as Queen Regent, using the title “God’s Wife.” Hatshepsut assumed the pharaoh costume, which was intended for males and included a false beard, the shendyt kilt, and the nemes headdress, with its uraeus, and khat headcloth. At her coronation, she adopted the five great names: Horus Powerful of Kas, Two Ladies Flourishing of Years, Female Horus of Fine Gold, Divine of Diadems, King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Maatkare, Daughter of Ra, Khenmet-Amen Hatshepsut.
Hatshepsut’s reign was basically a peaceful one. The lack of frantic military activity during her years in power is one of the outstanding and defining characteristics of her rule. She focused more on activities like trade, and construction. She expanded trade with Nubia, Libya, and countries in Asia. She also ordered expeditions to present-day Somalia, which was then called Punt, to acquire special goods like ivory, spices, and gold. Hatshepsut also restored and renovated several old buildings that had been damaged or destroyed by invading armies. One of these was the temple at Ipet-Issut, now known as Karnak. In addition to the renovations, she built the Red Chapel for the holy barge of Amun. Hatshepsut put up two huge obelisks that were covered in gold foil, reflecting the

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