While historical records indicate that several women ruled Egypt with pharaonic power, the most famous and extensively documented female ruler to fully adopt the title and regalia of pharaoh was Hatshepsut.
Hatshepsut's reign during the New Kingdom is particularly notable because she ruled not just as a queen or regent, but as a co-regent and later as the senior ruler, effectively acting as king. As the provided reference highlights:
Hatshepsut, like other pharaohs, was the child of a king. Unlike the others, she was a woman.
This emphasizes her unique position among the long line of male pharaohs, setting her apart as a prominent female figure to claim the supreme title.
Hatshepsut's Rise to Power
Hatshepsut was the daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I. Upon his death, she married her half-brother, Thutmose II, who became pharaoh. After Thutmose II's death, his young son (by a minor wife), Thutmose III, was heir, but Hatshepsut initially served as regent. Within a few years, she took the unprecedented step of declaring herself pharaoh, ruling alongside Thutmose III.
Key Aspects of Her Reign
Hatshepsut's rule, lasting over 20 years, was marked by prosperity, extensive building projects, and successful trade expeditions.
- Building Programs: She commissioned numerous temples and monuments, including her magnificent mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, one of ancient Egypt's most impressive architectural achievements.
- Trade Expeditions: Her most famous expedition was to the Land of Punt, bringing back valuable resources like incense, myrrh, gold, ivory, and exotic animals.
- Portrayal: She was often depicted in statuary and reliefs wearing the traditional male pharaonic regalia, including the kilt, false beard, and headdress, asserting her authority as a king.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | 18th Dynasty |
| Relationship | Daughter of Thutmose I, wife of Thutmose II, stepmother/aunt of Thutmose III |
| Reigned As | Regent, Co-Pharaoh, Senior Ruler (Pharaoh) |
| Notable Works | Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari |
| Major Feat | Expedition to the Land of Punt |
While other women like Sobekneferu and Twosret also ruled as pharaohs, Hatshepsut's long and prosperous reign, monumental construction projects, and unique assumption of the full pharaonic identity make her the most significant and well-known female pharaoh in history.
