History: Hatshepsut

1450 BCE

One of the best known Egyptian Queens. Hatshepsut was wife of Thutmosis II, and served her stepson, Thutmosis III, as regent. Hatshepsut assumed the throne upon the death of Thutmosis III and served as pharaoh. This queen of the New Kingdom reigned during a prosperous period for ancient Egypt. She was responsible for many building projects and frequent military, mining, and trading expeditions. Though Hatshepsut was female, her official statues show her clothed and bearded in the likeness of a male king.