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The only woman in Egyptian history to take the
title of Pharoh in her own right, this daughter of Thutmose I assumed
the position of regent for her son, Thutmose III after the death of her
husband in 1512 BC. She made a show of being regent and solidified
her power during this time, placing loyal officials in key positions, but
around 1503 BC she assumed full regalia of Pharoh including a false beard.
This woman was no simple usurper, however. She was an intelligent
and able ruler, fostering trade and expansion of Egyptian influence through
her 21 year reign. During her reign the temple at Karnak was extensively
renovated by Senenmut, her chief builder, and the Speos Arternidos was built
as a funerary monument to her and her father. In time, however, her
son became head of the army and had his own ambitions. Victories in
Asia strengthened his position. As Hatshepsut and her party aged, Thutmose
III forced more and more concessions until, in 1482 BC she was felled,
it is now believed, by a tooth infection. After her death, her name
was stricken off monuments and her likenesses destroyed. Whether this
was due to the royal power struggle or as a political necessity can only
be speculated. A mummy, discovered some time ago, was recently confirmed
by Egyptologists to be the famous cross-dressing pharoh hers using DNA research. #G440 Sheath dress with decorated collar, headress and belt. (Shoes and jewelry not included) Available in Misses/Womens sizes 6-24 and Juniors sizes 3-15 Available in Gold/Gold, White/Gold, or Light Blue/Gold Cotton/Polyester fabric $180.00 |
