King Hatshepsut—His Majesty, Herself
In Egypt’s long history, few figures capture the imagination like King Hatshepsut of Egypt. Hers is a tale not just of power, but of the sheer force of character and intellect. Hatshepsut's journey from queen to Pharaoh is as remarkable today as it was in the 15th century B.C., and her legacy continues to inspire and resonate throughout Egypt and the world. Today, we will discover the true story behind Treasures of Egypt’s fictional interpretation of Hatshepsut.
A Throne Unexpected
Hatshepsut was unexpectedly thrust onto the throne under extraordinary circumstances. Following the passing of her husband/half-brother, King Thutmose II, the designated heir, Thutmose III, her nephew/stepson, was still a young child and ill-equipped to rule the powerful land of Egypt. However, Hatshepsut courageously stepped up to fill the void, first as a regent and later but as a monarch in her own right, assuming full powers and the prestigious title of king. Throughout a span of more than two decades, she skillfully steered Egypt's destiny, guiding it toward an era of unparalleled prosperity and enduring peace.
A Title Earned
The word "Pharaoh" originates from the Egyptian 'per-aa', which translates to "Great House." While we commonly associate the term with the title of the Egyptian kings, it initially referred to the name of the royal residence. During the Early, Middle, and early New Kingdoms, the king was known as "nesut-bety" or "He of the Sedge and the Bee," which symbolized the king's authority over the united Two Lands, representing the North and the South. However, with the passage of time, the term per-aa began to be used interchangeably with nesut-bety, similar to how we might say "the White House said" or "Downing Street declared" when referring to the US president or the UK prime minister.
Some Egyptologists speculate that Hatshepsut, although not the first female ruler, was the first monarch to fully adopt the title of pharaoh. This may have been an attempt by the scribes to reconcile the world and make it more comprehensible, rather than accepting the groundbreaking reality of a female king.
A Leader with a Vision
Hatshepsut was not only a remarkable leader but also a visionary. She distinguished herself by adopting a unique approach to bring prosperity to Egypt, deviating from the conventional path of conquest. Instead, she focused on expanding trade networks and leveraging her exceptional diplomatic skills and astute business sense. Through her strategic efforts, Egypt emerged as a prominent player in the international trading arena, forging connections and acquiring wealth and treasures from distant corners of the world.
Under Hatshepsut's reign, Egypt experienced an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity. The kingdom thrived, with its economy flourishing and its people enjoying the fruits of a stable and prosperous society. Hatshepsut's exceptional leadership abilities and her commitment to fostering a climate of peace and trade contributed to this remarkable period in Egyptian history.
A notable example of Hatshepsut's efforts to obtain rare and valuable items for Egypt through peaceful means was her trading expedition to the land of Punt. Although the exact location of Punt is still a mystery, experts in the field of Egyptology believe it was located near the Horn of Africa or Yemen. The success of this trading voyage was a major achievement during Hatshepsut's reign, further establishing her as a ruler who could acquire goods from far-off lands. It is worth noting that she accomplished this through nonviolent and civilized methods, setting her apart from her male counterparts.
The Unconventional King
Defying the societal norms and expectations of ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut boldly challenged the status quo by assuming the attire and representation of a male king in various statues and reliefs. This deliberate portrayal not only emphasized her legitimacy as a ruler but also served as a powerful symbol of her defiance against gender roles deeply rooted in society. By breaking through the barriers that traditionally restricted female leadership, Hatshepsut demonstrated that one's abilities should take precedence over societal expectations.
During her reign, Hatshepsut showcased her remarkable political acumen and charismatic personality, which garnered the support and backing of influential figures of the time. This not only solidified her position as a legitimate sovereign but also highlighted her astuteness in navigating the complex power dynamics of ancient Egypt. Her reign was marked by its unconventional nature, yet her ability to secure the support of key power brokers underscored her effectiveness as a leader.
A Legacy Cast in Stone
Hatshepsut has left an unparalleled and indelible mark on history through her ambitious and visionary construction projects. Her temples and structures, especially the Djeser-Djeser (Holy of Holies) at Deir El-Bahri, meticulously designed and built, continue to stand tall and proud, serving as enduring symbols of her remarkable reign and the immense cultural richness of the era. These architectural marvels, with their intricate carvings and awe-inspiring statues, not only showcase Hatshepsut's unparalleled ambition and determination but also embody the essence of Egypt's glorious past. Each column, each wall, and each corridor of these majestic structures tells a story of a pharaoh who reshaped the course of Egypt's history and left an everlasting legacy for future generations to admire and appreciate. The grandeur and magnificence of Hatshepsut's constructions are a testament to her extraordinary leadership and the profound impact she had on Egypt's cultural, political, and architectural landscape. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate the world, reminding us of the incredible achievements and enduring influence of one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable rulers.
Erasure and Resurgence
Unfortunately, after Hatshepsut's death, her memory was aggressively erased by her nephew Thutmose III. This process was later referred to by the Romans as "Damnatio memoriae" or condemnation of memory. The exact reasons for Thutmose's actions remain uncertain. Early Egyptologists believed that his actions were driven by a vengeful desire to seek revenge against his aunt, who had taken his throne. However, modern Egyptologists strongly disagree with this interpretation. They point out that Thutmose was entrusted with the leadership of Hatshepsut's army and waited twenty years before taking action against her memory. It is now believed that his actions were politically motivated, aimed at securing his son's claim to the throne. In other words, it was a strategic move rather than a personal vendetta.
Hatshepsut Today
Despite the relentless efforts made by her nephew to erase her from the annals of history, the enduring and remarkable legacy left behind by Hatshepsut proved to be far too significant to be forgotten. Throughout Egypt’s history, her name, meticulously carved on monumental stones, withstood the test of time, serving as a poignant reminder of her indelible mark on Egypt's rich history. Even in the present day, Hatshepsut continues to be revered as one of the most accomplished and successful Egyptian rulers of all time, her extraordinary story serving as an inspiring testament to the unwavering power of legacy, which triumphs over any futile attempts aimed at historical erasure.
Hatshepsut's presence in modern Egypt is undeniable. Her depiction on the 10-pound bill is a daily acknowledgment of her legacy. Her story is celebrated in Egyptian cinema, documentaries, and schoolbooks, painting a picture of a ruler whose wisdom and achievements continue to be recognized and revered.
Hatshepsut in Treasures of Egypt
Now that we've explored Hatshepsut's real history, let’s discover the changes I’ve made to her character in my fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt.
This includes light plot spoilers, so consider this a warning if you’d prefer to avoid them!
In Treasures of Egypt, the protagonist, Nefiri, encounters Hatshepsut during her journey in Duat, the realm of the gods and the dead. My interpretation of Hatshepsut is that of a wise yet somewhat stubborn woman. She possesses the ability to see the world from different perspectives, rather than being confined to the main narrative. I believe that as a woman who led a system that traditionally excluded her, Hatshepsut would have had a unique perspective on life.
Furthermore, I chose Hatshepsut specifically to serve as an older, wiser mentor for Nefiri during a crucial part of her character arc. Both women share similarities: they defy gender norms by occupying traditionally male-dominated roles, they possess determination and ambition, and they have experienced betrayal by men they trusted. Additionally, Hatshepsut's love and admiration for her father Thutmose I mirrors Nefiri's feelings towards her master, Grand Vizier Paser.
Both men, in positions of power, chose not to take the easy path of handing their positions to politically advantageous male successors, but instead selected the right person for the job, who happened to be a woman in both cases. It is for these reasons that I selected Hatshepsut to guide Nefiri, as her guidance will profoundly impact Nefiri's outlook on life throughout her adventure. Nefiri will remember Hatshepsut's lessons whenever she faces insurmountable obstacles.
Conclusion
Hatshepsut was a ruler ahead of her time. Her story redefines leadership and demonstrates the indomitable spirit of a leader who was both king and queen, masterfully navigating the complex waters of power with grace and strength. As we reflect on the past to inspire the future, we remember with deep reverence one of history’s greatest women—King Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself.
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