A fascinating look at the artistically productive reign of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh in ancient Egypt

The female pharaoh Hatshepsut reigned for nearly twenty years during Egypt’s early New Kingdom in the fifteenth century B.C. First acting as regent for her young nephew/stepson Thutmose III, she in time assumed the title of king and exercised the full powers of the throne as senior co-ruler. In accordance with Egyptian tradition, Hatshepsut was often depicted as a male king. After her death, however, monuments bearing her image were ruthlessly defaced, and her name was erased from historical accounts. Hatshepsut’s rise to power and the nature of her kingship have long been debated by scholars. This fascinating period, one of immense artistic creativity, is illuminated by this volume’s rich presentation of monumental royal sculpture and reliefs, ceremonial objects, exquisite personal items for everyday use, and dazzling jewelry. Essays focus on influences from the neighboring Near East, Nubia, and the Aegean; the innovative architecture built by Hatshepsut; powerful figures in the royal court during her reign; archaeological finds from this period; and mysteries surrounding the destruction of Hatshepsut’s statues and the obliteration of her name. The first in-depth treatment of the subject, 'Daughter of Re' is an important investigation into the impact of Hatshepsut’s reign on the history, culture, and artistic output of Egypt.

Biography of Hatshepsut's palace childhood and her adult life as Egypt's female pharaoh.

An engrossing biography of the longest-reigning female pharaoh in Ancient Egypt and the story of her audacious rise to power. Hatshepsut—the daughter of a general who usurped Egypt's throne—was expected to bear the sons who would legitimize the reign of her father’s family. Her failure to produce a male heir, however, paved the way for her improbable rule as a cross-dressing king. At just over twenty, Hatshepsut out-maneuvered the mother of Thutmose III, the infant king, for a seat on the throne, and ascended to the rank of pharaoh. Shrewdly operating the levers of power to emerge as Egypt's second female pharaoh, Hatshepsut was a master strategist, cloaking her political power plays in the veil of piety and sexual reinvention. She successfully negotiated a path from the royal nursery to the very pinnacle of authority, and her reign saw one of Ancient Egypt’s most prolific building periods. Constructing a rich narrative history using the artifacts that remain, noted Egyptologist Kara Cooney offers a remarkable interpretation of how Hatshepsut rapidly but methodically consolidated power—and why she fell from public favor just as quickly. The Woman Who Would Be King traces the unconventional life of an almost-forgotten pharaoh and explores our complicated reactions to women in power.

In "Hatshepsut: The Queen Who Became King - Unveiling the Power and Innovation of Ancient Egypt's Female Pharaoh" by Charlotte E. Dawson, we embark on a riveting exploration of Hatshepsut's extraordinary reign. This groundbreaking work sheds light on the life of the most remarkable woman in the history of ancient Egypt, who defied the conventions of her time to assume the mantle of Pharaoh. Dawson intricately weaves together the tale of Hatshepsut's ascent to power, her ambitious architectural projects, and her unparalleled economic policies that propelled Egypt into an era of prosperity. Beyond the grandeur of her temples and the wealth of her empire, this book delves into the complexities of her role as a female ruler in a patriarchal world, revealing the strategies she employed to legitimize her reign. With compelling narratives drawn from meticulous research, "Hatshepsut: The Queen Who Became King" brings to life the forgotten legacy of a ruler who navigated the challenges of her time with wisdom, courage, and an unwavering vision for her people. Hatshepsut's story is not just a historical recount; it is a testament to the enduring power of innovation, leadership, and the human spirit. Charlotte E. Dawson's masterful storytelling invites readers to reconsider the annals of history, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring impact of one of the most enigmatic leaders of the ancient world. This book is an essential read for anyone fascinated by history, power, and the remarkable capacity of an individual to reshape the world.

Smarter in sixty minutes. Get smarter in just 60 minutes with in60Learning. Concise and elegantly written non-fiction books and audiobooks help you learn the core subject matter in 20% of the time that it takes to read a typical book. Life is short, so explore a multitude of fascinating historical, biographical, scientific, political, and financial topics in only an hour each. When Pharaoh Thutmose II died, he left an heir far too young to rule Egypt. His widow Hatshepsut stepped up to take his place. For at least the next 20 years, Hatshepsut ruled as Pharaoh King of Egypt in an era of prosperous growth and peace. When she died, her nephew Thutmose III attempted to smear her good name and wipe her memory from history. However, despite his efforts, his aunt Hatshepsut holds the title of most famous native Egyptian woman to ever rule as pharaoh; she also retains a legacy as one of the most successful female leaders in early history.

Ancient Egypt 3500 years ago - a land ruled by the all-powerful female king, Hatshepsut. Ambitious, ruthless and worldly: a woman who established Amun as the chief god of Egypt, bestowing his Priesthood with unprecedented riches and power. This is a story of vision and obsession, of mighty projects and heartbreaking failures - the story of a woman possessed by the desire for power and the need to love.