The Greatest Female Pharaoh | Hatshepsut | Ancient Egypt Documentary

Summary

This video explores the remarkable reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most successful rulers. Despite challenges due to her gender, Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh after acting as Queen Regent for her young stepson. She expanded Egypt’s trade routes, notably through the expedition to the Land of Punt, and oversaw numerous monumental building projects, including her mortuary temple, Djeser-Djeseru. Though her successors tried to erase her legacy, Hatshepsut's contributions to Egypt’s prosperity and her groundbreaking role as a female leader endure in history.

Takeaways

• 👑 Pharaoh Ahmose I expelled the Hyksos invaders, starting Egypt's New Kingdom and its third golden age.
• 👸 Hatshepsut, Ahmose's great-granddaughter, became one of Egypt's most successful pharaohs despite being female.
• 🏛️ Hatshepsut expanded Egypt's trade routes and constructed some of the nation's most impressive architectural wonders.
• 💍 Hatshepsut married her half-brother, Thutmose II, at the age of 12 to legitimize his reign, later serving as Queen Regent after his death.
• ⚔️ Hatshepsut claimed divine birth through the god Amun, using propaganda to justify her rule and depicted herself as male in art.
• 🌍 Hatshepsut led a successful trade expedition to the Land of Punt, bringing wealth, exotic animals, and valuable resources back to Egypt.
• 🌳 She was the first recorded person to transplant foreign trees and introduced charred frankincense as eyeliner.
• 🏗️ Hatshepsut initiated numerous building projects, including massive obelisks and her famous mortuary temple, Djeser-Djeseru.
• 🕵️ Thutmose III attempted to erase Hatshepsut's legacy, possibly due to political reasons or patriarchal concerns, but was largely unsuccessful.
• ⚰️ Hatshepsut ruled for over 20 years and was buried in the Valley of the Kings, her cause of death potentially linked to bone cancer from toxic ointments.

Q & A

Who was Pharaoh Ahmose I and what role did he play in ancient Egypt's history?

Pharaoh Ahmose I was the founder of the New Kingdom period in ancient Egypt. He drove out the Hyksos invaders and initiated Egypt's third and final golden age.

How did Hatshepsut contribute to Egypt's prosperity during her reign?

Hatshepsut expanded Egypt's trade routes, most notably through a successful expedition to the Land of Punt, and commissioned numerous large-scale architectural projects, including her famous mortuary temple at Djeser-Djeseru.

What challenges did Hatshepsut face as a female pharaoh, and how did she legitimize her rule?

As a woman, it was difficult for Hatshepsut to be accepted as a pharaoh. To legitimize her rule, she claimed divine birth, stating that the god Amun had chosen her to rule, and depicted herself with male attributes like a false beard in official sculptures.

What was the significance of the expedition to the Land of Punt during Hatshepsut’s reign?

The expedition to the Land of Punt was highly successful, bringing back wealth in the form of gold, ivory, frankincense, and myrrh. It boosted Egypt’s economy and enhanced Hatshepsut’s reputation as a capable ruler.

How did Hatshepsut’s building projects contribute to her legacy?

Hatshepsut commissioned hundreds of building projects, including monumental works at the Karnak Temple Complex and her mortuary temple at Djeser-Djeseru. These projects displayed her wealth, piety, and power, solidifying her legacy as one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs.

What was the significance of the obelisks Hatshepsut constructed at Karnak?

Hatshepsut's twin obelisks at the entrance of the Karnak Temple were symbols of her devotion to the god Amun. One of these obelisks remains the tallest surviving obelisk in Egypt today.

Why did Thutmose III attempt to erase Hatshepsut from historical records?

The reasons are debated, but some Egyptologists believe that Thutmose III may have wanted to downplay the success of a female pharaoh to protect the patriarchal system or to strengthen his successor’s claim to the throne. Others suggest that her role was erased to avoid encouraging other women to rule.

How did Hatshepsut claim divine legitimacy for her rule?

Hatshepsut claimed that the god Amun had taken over her father’s body on the night of her conception, making her a divine child chosen to rule Egypt. This narrative helped her gain support despite her gender.

What innovative methods did Hatshepsut use in trade and agriculture during her reign?

Hatshepsut was the first ruler in recorded history to successfully transplant trees from foreign lands, protecting their roots in baskets during transportation. She also pioneered the use of frankincense as eyeliner, adding to Egypt’s knowledge of exotic goods.

What ultimately caused Hatshepsut’s death, and what medical evidence supports this?

Hatshepsut likely died from bone cancer, possibly exacerbated by regular use of carcinogenic ointments. A CT scan of her mummy revealed evidence of bone cancer during her final years.