00:00Hatshepsut, one of the most extraordinary rulers of ancient Egypt, reigned as pharaoh
00:05from around 1479 BCE to 1458 BCE during the 18th dynasty.
00:12As a woman who ascended to the highest position of power in a male-dominated society, Hatshepsut's
00:18rule stands out as a remarkable achievement in the history of ancient Egypt.
00:23Her reign was characterized by peace, prosperity, and monumental building projects that helped
00:28solidify Egypt's wealth and cultural influence.
00:33Hatshepsut was born to Pharaoh Thutmose I and Queen Amos.
00:37As a princess, she held an important status within the royal family and received a privileged
00:43education.
00:44She married her half-brother, Thutmose II, in accordance with royal tradition and served
00:50as his queen.
00:51When Thutmose II died, his son by a lesser wife, Thutmose III, was still a child.
00:58Thus, Hatshepsut initially acted as regent for the young king, but she soon made the
01:04unprecedented move of declaring herself pharaoh.
01:08Rather than ruling in the background, Hatshepsut took on the full powers and responsibilities
01:13of a male king.
01:14She adopted the traditional symbols of pharaonic power, including wearing the false beard and
01:20the royal headdress, in order to legitimize her position.
01:24Her portrayal in statues and reliefs also began to emphasize her as a male ruler.
01:31Despite this gender ambiguity, Hatshepsut was accepted as Egypt's ruler, likely due
01:36to her royal lineage and capable leadership.
01:39Hatshepsut's reign is notable for the peace and economic stability she brought to Egypt.
01:46Unlike many of her predecessors and successors, she was not known for military conquests.
01:52Instead, Hatshepsut focused on strengthening Egypt's internal structures and international
01:57trade relations.
02:00One of her greatest achievements was the successful trade expedition to the Land of Pont, an exotic
02:05region likely located along the Red Sea or in East Africa.
02:09This expedition brought back valuable goods, including gold, incense, ivory, and exotic
02:16animals.
02:17These goods increased Egypt's wealth and prestige.
02:21By maintaining diplomatic ties and fostering trade, Hatshepsut ensured that Egypt thrived
02:27during her reign.
02:29This era of prosperity allowed her to embark on ambitious building projects that would
02:35leave a lasting legacy.
02:38Hatshepsut was a prolific builder, and her reign is remembered for some of the most impressive
02:42monuments in ancient Egypt.
02:45Among her greatest achievements is the construction of her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari,
02:51located near the Valley of the Kings.
02:53The temple, known as Jizr Jizru, meaning Holy of Holies, is a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
03:01Its three-tiered terraces blend harmoniously into the surrounding cliffs, creating a grand
03:07yet serene atmosphere.
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