The Power of Queen Hatshepsut
Though the tradition in Ancient Egypt (see Appendix 1) was to honour women and give them legal rights and a remarkable freedom that was unavailable to women is most other civilisation. Queen Hatshepsut (See Appendix 2) wasn't content to be limited to the usual role of women in Egyptian society, even as Queen she took matters into her own hands Using the power she held, falsified inscription and support from the priests of Amun she became the first Queen in Egyptian history to become a Pharaoh.Queen Hatshepsut, from an early age was brought into her Royal Duties, as her father Thutmose (I) (see Appendix 3) was old and had only one illegimate son Thutmose (II) (See Appendix 4). Thutmose (II) couldn't be assigned as co-regent due to his young age. After Thutmose (II) no other male was left with royal blood. So he turned to the only other who had royal blood, his daughter Hatshepsut. She became co-regent and her name "Maat-Ka-Ra" (Daughter of Ra) was depicted along side his. This was found to be a forgery as can be seen in the 8th pylon of el-Karnak Temple and on the 11th Northern column where there is a scene which is superimposed over a skilfully defaced surface. This was also went through three further defacements, so the orig
These scenes not only showed her to be chosen by the God Amun, but to also be the daughter of Amun. The backing up from the Priests of Amun was very important to raise and keep Hatshepsut in power. It is true that with the help of the Priest of Amun, Hatshepsut took control of the whole empire of Egypt. Three of which had never been given to a Queen before or after Hatshepsut's reign. During his three to four year reign while he was away on campaigns she took full control of state affairs and gained much power and influence among the priests. The two then have a short conversation where Amun tells the Queen of his daughter who will rule as king. She held the empire together and performed as the Pharaoh creating power for herself only to crumble at the end with the destruction of her works. Second is an interview between Amun and Thoth. But she lived to tell her tale even through all the destruction, accomplishing what no other woman had ever before, the power of the Pharaoh. This was also depicted in wall carving except in a few small temples, but were inaccessible. Instead of toppling them, Thutmose (III) had them ordered them sheathed in masonry. Fifth to when Khnum actually creates the child as two male figures. Fourth to a scene between Amun and Khnum (See Appendix 8)where Amun instructs Khnum to create his daughter. These propaganda's worked well and cemented Hatshepsut's position. This was validated to the people by the scenes in the temple at Deir El Bahri in the Valley of the Kings.
Common topics in this essay:
Thutmose II,
Thutmose III,
Amun Hapuseneb,
Daughter Ra,
Hatshepsut Semnut,
Hatshepsut Appendix,
Queen Ahmose,
Amun Hatshepsut,
Priests Amun,
Hatshepsut Thutmose,
thutmose ii,
thutmose iii,
priests amun,
temple deir el,
royal duties,
son thutmose,
priest amun,
el bahri,
deir el,
temple deir,
illegimate son thutmose,
deir el bahri,
amun daughter,
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Acceptance Essays
