Impressions from the Past

Over the past two years, Egyptologists, Archaeologists, Ancient Historians and generally those with an interest in Ancient Egypt will have been following the recent claimed discovery of the mummy of arguably one of the most important figures of that long passed civilisation, Hatshepsut (pictured) of the 18th Dynasty. Pharoahs in Ancient Egypt passed through male lines as they were meant to be both man and god and although women could and did govern Egypt this was only as Regents where the male heir was deemed too young to ascend the throne. This was not the case with Hatshepsut where, as a woman, she was able to move beyond the position of Regent to the underage heir Thutmose III and actually become Pharoah in her own right and actually co-ruler with Thutmose III when he came of age. Her reign which lasted from 1473 BC to 1458 BC heralded a period of considerable stability and prosperity in Egygt.

As Pharoah, Hatshepsut adopted the normal regal image including wearing a false stylised beard in public and religious ceremonies and the serpents crested crown of Egypt.

Yet in all other ways, Hatshetsup's image was feminine. She remains one of the most intriguing figures of Ancient Egyptian history most notable due to the fact that images of her and references to her were erased from monuments years after her death most likely on the instructions on Thutmose III. Recent research undertaken in Egypt has now shown that references to her as Queen were not erased, only those as Pharoah. Her royal cartouche is shown (at right).

In order to be Pharoah in any guise, Hatshepsut would have needed the acceptance of the priesthood, the army, the nobility and the royal court to succeed. Her story from 3,500 years ago still has a resonance today for women also navigating their way through the corridors of power and business.

Tourists to Egypt can be thankful for Hatshepsut's reign for she constructed many of the most stunning monuments and temples still visible there. Her mortuary temple in the desert at Deir el Bahri remains one of the great wonders of the Ancient World.