How did Hatshepsut change Egypt during her reign as pharaoh
Hatshepsut, the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, made numerous significant changes during her reign that have had a lasting impact on ancient Egypt. Here are some of the ways Hatshepsut changed Egypt:
1. Female Pharaoh: Hatshepsut became the first known female pharaoh in ancient Egypt, and her reign challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. She used various strategies to legitimize her authority, including depicting herself as a male pharaoh with a false beard in official artwork and inscriptions.
2. Building Projects: Hatshepsut initiated several ambitious building projects throughout Egypt. She commissioned the construction of magnificent temples and monuments, including her famous mortuary temple known as Deir el-Bahari, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor. These structures showcased her power and promoted her divine ancestry.
3. Trade and Economy: Hatshepsut's reign witnessed a significant focus on trade and economic prosperity. She sent several successful trading expeditions to the mysterious land of Punt (possibly modern-day Somalia or Eritrea), which brought back precious goods like incense, exotic animals, and rare woods. This trade boosted Egypt's economy and showcased Hatshepsut's wealth and influence.
4. Art and Culture: Hatshepsut's reign was characterized by a flourishing of art and culture. She encouraged artistic expression and funded the creation of beautiful statues, reliefs, and murals. Many of these artworks depicted her as a powerful ruler, adorned in traditional royal regalia, challenging the traditional portrayal of female rulers in Egyptian art.
5. Religious Reforms: Hatshepsut made efforts to elevate the worship of the god Amun, particularly at the Karnak temple complex in Thebes. She claimed a divine birth and established herself as the daughter of Amun-Ra, the chief deity of Egypt, which enhanced her authority and justified her reign.
6. Tomb and Mortuary Complex: In addition to her magnificent mortuary temple, Hatshepsut built an imposing tomb for herself in the Valley of the Kings. This tomb, known as KV20, was one of the largest and most complex in the valley, further emphasizing her status as a pharaoh.
Overall, Hatshepsut's reign was marked by a focus on stability, prosperity, and the preservation of traditional values while simultaneously challenging social norms and elevating her own status and power. Her accomplishments as a female ruler and architectural patronage significantly impacted Egypt during and after her reign.