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People File • Historical

Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty, first as regent and then as pharaoh in her own right.

What it is

Hatshepsut was a pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, reigning from about 1473 to 1458 BCE. She began as regent for her stepson Thutmose III after the death of her husband Thutmose II, then assumed full royal titles and regalia, including male symbols of kingship.

Why it matters

Hatshepsut is one of the most important female rulers in ancient history. Her reign was marked by peace, major building projects like the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri, and a famous trade expedition to Punt. Later efforts to erase her from official records did not diminish her historical significance.

Key details

She was the daughter of Thutmose I and Ahmose, and mother of Neferure. Her reign is dated to c. 1473–1458 BCE. After her death, some of her inscriptions and images were altered, likely under Thutmose III.

In short

  • Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh of Egypt's Eighteenth Dynasty.
  • She ruled first as regent, then as pharaoh in her own right.
  • Her reign featured major building projects and trade expeditions.
  • Later efforts to erase her memory failed to diminish her legacy.

Quick questions

Who was Hatshepsut?
Hatshepsut was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled in the Eighteenth Dynasty and became one of the most powerful female rulers in Egyptian history.
When did Hatshepsut rule?
She is generally dated to a reign of about 1473–1458 BCE.
What is Hatshepsut best known for?
She is best known for her powerful rule as a woman, major building projects, and trade expeditions, especially to Punt.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hatshepsut
    Supports: Hatshepsut as female king of Egypt, her reign, adoption of pharaonic titles and regalia.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Hatshepsut
    Supports: Daughter of Thutmose I, wife of Thutmose II, regency, coronation as pharaoh, building program, uncertainty about death.
  3. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/hatshepsut
    Supports: Family background, regency, assumption of pharaonic power, co-rule with Thutmose III.
  4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art — https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2006/hatshepsut
    Supports: Dates of reign and status as an important female ruler of the New Kingdom.
  5. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/hatshepsut
    Supports: General biographical context and early life as a royal woman of Egypt.
  6. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization — https://nmec.gov.eg/mummies-hall/hatshepsut/
    Supports: Hatshepsut as a powerful queen and ruling pharaoh, and her parentage.