Hatshepsut: Egypt's Female Pharaoh

Study Notes

Hatshepsut

Second woman to become pharaoh, reigning during the Eighteenth Dynasty.
Wife of Thutmose II and assumed power after his death in 1479 BC, co-regent with her young step-son Thutmose III.
Claimed divine legitimacy by stating her mother was visited by the deity Amon-Ra during pregnancy.
Accomplished ruler known for re-establishing trade routes and maintaining peace.

Khufu

Fourth Dynasty pharaoh renowned for constructing the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The pyramid served as his "stairway to heaven" and stood as the tallest man-made structure for approximately 4,000 years.
Represents the advanced architectural capabilities of Ancient Egypt.

Thutmose III

Step-son of Hatshepsut, took full control as pharaoh after her death in 1458 BC.
Distinguished himself through military training; regarded as a military genius and often referred to as the "Napoleon of Egypt."
Achieved a record of never losing a battle, earning widespread respect as possibly the greatest pharaoh.

Akhenaten

Son of Amenhotep III, originally named Amenhotep IV, changed to reflect monotheistic beliefs focused on Aten, the Sun God.
Moved the capital from Thebes to Amarna, renaming it Akhetaten ("Horizon of Aten"), marking the city's emergence.
His wife, Nefertiti, played a crucial role in his religious reforms, known for her iconic limestone bust.
Following his death, Egypt reverted quickly to polytheism, abandoning the beliefs he established.

Ramesses II

Known as Ramses the Great, he ruled during the 19th Dynasty, marking his period with opulence and extensive military campaigns.
Son of Seti I; had a co-regency with him before taking sole power, ruling for 67 years.
Declared himself a god and had 96 children, leaving a vast architectural legacy.
His reign ultimately strained Egypt's economy, leading to near-bankruptcy by the end of his life.

Cleopatra VII

The final active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, known for her intelligence and political acumen during turbulent times.
Despite romanticized portrayals, she was an effective leader who sought to stabilize and revitalize her empire.
Had well-documented relationships with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony; her suicide on August 12, 30 BC, symbolized the end of the Egyptian empire.

Description

Explore the fascinating reign of Hatshepsut, the second woman to take on the role of pharaoh in ancient Egypt. Learn about her strategies for legitimacy, her relationship with her stepson Thutmose III, and her significant contributions during the Eighteenth Dynasty. This quiz delves into the complexities of her rule and her impact on Egyptian history.