"Hatshepsut had one notable trading expedition to the land of Punt in the
ninth year of her reign. Punt is believed to lie in northeast Africa,
somewhere in the area of Eritrea, Ethiopia and southern Sudan or in present
day Somalia. Punt was a land rich in products ancient Egyptians desired
such as myrrh, frankincense, woods, sweet-smelling resin, ivory, spices,
gold, ebony, and aromatic trees. Scenes of this expedition can be seen at
her mortuary temple Djeser-Djeseru at Deir el Bahri.
"Hatshepsut died circa 1600 BC. In 2007, researchers announced that
Hatshepsut's mummy had been identified in the Valley of the Kings.
"After her passing, Hatshepsut's successor Thutmose III became the greatest
of all Pharaohs due to his military campaigns to establish Egyptian rule of
Syria and Palestine"
http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/mother-who-became-pharaoh
The mother who became Pharaoh
Hatshepsut was a proud mother and queen who went on to become one of the
most successful rulers in Ancient Egypt
Written by Janelle Oswald
30/03/2014 10:00 AM
*MOTHER'S DAY is a special time dedicated to giving thanks to the wonderful
women who give life, raise children as well as for being a constant source
of support and champion for the young. But this Sunday, mother-of-two
Charmaine Simpson, co-founder of Black History Studies, will dedicate the
occasion to Hatshepsut, a proud mother and queen, who went on to become
Pharaoh. Here she tells Janelle Oswald why she believes Hatshepsut is an
inspirational figure worthy of representing black women around the world*
"The invisibility of black women in history is linked to the fact that some
historians felt their lives did not merit inclusion, resulting in their
contributions being ignored. However, it is important to recognise that
black women's history makes for a more inclusive, richer, fuller and, more
importantly, truthful account of world history.
"Ancient Egypt was the first major civilisation in Africa for which records
are abundant. During this time, ancient Egypt was ruled by successive
families or dynasties that formed the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom and New
Kingdom period. The stability of rule was disrupted by "intermediate
periods" when ancient Egypt went into periods of decline.
"Hatshepsut Ma'at-ka-Ra is the only known female Pharaoh (king) in ancient
Egypt, ruling for more than 20 years during 1650-1600 BC. She is considered
one of the most successful.
"Her name Ma'at-ka-Ra means 'Truth/Order/Balance ("Ma'at") and the
Spirit/Double ("ka") of Ra'. Hatshepsut means 'Foremost of Noble Women.'
"Hatshepsut was the only child born to the King Thutmose I by his principal
wife and queen, Ahmose. After the death of her father at age 12, Hatshepsut
married her half-brother Thutmose II in 1615 BC who reigned for 15 years.
"Marriage was a very important part of ancient Egyptian society. Some
scholars say it was almost a duty to get married. In Ancient Egypt,
marriage required no religious or legal ceremony, no special bridal
clothes, no exchange of rings and no change of names to indicate marriage,
like we practice today. During their marriage, Hatshepsut and Thutmose II
were not able to produce a male heir but had a daughter named Neferure.
"Thutmose II died after a 15-year reign, making Hatshepsut a widow before
the age of 30. The throne fell to Thutmose III, a step-son and nephew of
Hatshepsut. However, because Thutmose III was a child and unable to rule
ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut served as regent for three years until she
proclaimed herself Pharaoh or King.
*DUTIES*
"Taking on all majestic duties, Hatshepsut represented herself in the
traditional king's shendyt kilt and crown, along with a fake beard in order
to assert her authority.
"She relinquished her titles relating to those only a woman could hold, and
took on those of the Pharaoh eventually dropping the female ending from her
name ('t') and became His Majesty, Hatshepsu.
"Under Hatshepsut's reign, Egypt prospered. Unlike other rulers in her
dynasty, she was more interested in ensuring economic prosperity and
building and restoring monuments throughout Egypt and Nubia rather than
conquering new lands, like her male counterparts.
"To celebrate her 16th year in power, Hatshepsut built two obelisks cut at
the ancient granite quarry in Aswan, which were transported to the Temple
of Amun in Karnak. The two great obelisks were each 29.5m tall, with one
still standing today.
"Hatshepsut had one notable trading expedition to the land of Punt in the
ninth year of her reign. Punt is believed to lie in northeast Africa,
somewhere in the area of Eritrea, Ethiopia and southern Sudan or in present
day Somalia. Punt was a land rich in products ancient Egyptians desired
such as myrrh, frankincense, woods, sweet-smelling resin, ivory, spices,
gold, ebony, and aromatic trees. Scenes of this expedition can be seen at
her mortuary temple Djeser-Djeseru at Deir el Bahri.
"Hatshepsut died circa 1600 BC. In 2007, researchers announced that
Hatshepsut's mummy had been identified in the Valley of the Kings.
"After her passing, Hatshepsut's successor Thutmose III became the greatest
of all Pharaohs due to his military campaigns to establish Egyptian rule of
Syria and Palestine.
However, he destroyed and defaced Hatshepsut's monuments, erasing many of
her inscriptions and constructed a wall around her obelisks.
"Nevertheless, despite Thutmose III's chauvinist efforts to erase
Hatshepsut's mighty legacy, she still remains powerful.
"Hatshepsut's legacy reflects how black women made important contributions
to the development of civilisations, and their service and sacrifice
ensured the survival of black people from the origin of humanity to the
present. Knowing the history of black women empowers us to achieve and live
a more enriched existence."
Posted on: 30/03/2014 10:00 AM
Received on Sun Mar 30 2014 - 09:58:59 EDT