Hatshepsut: The Woman Pharaoh

In Ancient Egypt, women enjoyed a surprisingly high status compared to many other cultures of the time. While in contemporary societies they were often relegated to secondary roles and subjugated to men, in Ancient Egypt, women could perform a variety of roles and achieve high levels of influence and power.

A notable example of this reality was Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most prominent figures in Egyptian history. In addition to its diplomatic achievements, its challenging artistic representation distinguishes her in Egyptian history, making its governance unique.

She was the daughter of Thutmose I and when this pharaoh died she was around 14 years old. Following her half-brother Thutmose III's accession to the throne, she marries him. Now he died shortly afterwards and left a 2-year-old son as heir to the throne, who would be Thutmose III, and who was not even the son of Hatshepsut, but of another consort; however, due to the age of the heir (2 years), Hatshepsut was appointed as regent where she was expected to rule for at least 13 years until his majority.

In practice, she reigned as pharaoh for 21 years, between 1479 and 1458 BC, and not only broke gender barriers by assuming the throne, but also exercised an effective and visionary government. Under her reign, Egypt witnessed a period of economic prosperity, territorial expansion and cultural development, marked by the construction of grandiose monuments, such as the famous temple at Deir el-Bahari.

In addition to Hatshepsut's example, Egyptian women enjoyed significant legal rights. They could own property, participate in businesses, and even seek divorce in certain circumstances. Many women held prominent positions as priestesses, provincial governors and even specialized doctors (more on this in a future article).

The legacy of women in Ancient Egypt is a testament to the complexity and diversity of Egyptian society. Far from being mere decorative or subordinate figures, women played active and influential roles in all aspects of Egyptian life, contributing to the flourishing and glory of this fascinating civilization.

As we look to Ancient Egypt's past, we are reminded that gender equality and respect for women's rights are not merely modern ideals, but rather principles that have deep roots in human history. May the story of Egyptian women inspire us to continue seeking a world where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of gender.

Further Reading:

 "Women in Ancient Egypt" by Gay Robins - Gay Robins is an Egyptologist known for her studies on the role of women in Egyptian society. In this article, she offers a comprehensive and detailed overview of the status and rights of women in Ancient Egypt, analyzing their participation in different aspects of Egyptian life.

 

"Female Power and Authority in Ancient Egypt" by Barbara Watterson - Barbara Watterson is another renowned Egyptologist who focuses on the study of women in Ancient Egypt. This article explores the role of women as rulers, priestesses, and members of the Egyptian elite, highlighting specific examples of influential women in Egyptian history.

 

"Women in Ancient Egypt: Gender Roles" by Kasia Szpakowska - Kasia Szpakowska is an Egyptology expert whose work focuses on issues of gender and identity in Ancient Egypt. In this article, she examines the different roles played by women in Egyptian society, from the lowest strata to the ruling elite.