egyptbc.com

Born in the 15th century BC, Hatshepsut was the daughter of Tuthmose I and Aahmes who were both of royal lineage and was, apparently, the favorite of their three children.

When her two brothers died, she found herself in the unique position of being able to grab power and succeed her father on his death. To have a female pharaoh was unique, unprecedented, and almost certainly unheard of at that time.

When Tuthmose I died, his son by the commoner Moutnofrit, Tuthmose II, ascended the throne. For the few years of his brief reign, however, Hatshepsut seems to have been a controlling influence. From markings found on his mummy, archaeologists believe Tuthmose II had a skin disease, and he died after ruling for only three or four years.

Hatshepsut, his half-sister and wife, had borne him no children, although he had sired a son through the commoner Isis. This son, Tuthmose III, was in line for the throne, but due to his age, Hatshepsut was allowed to reign in his place as queen dowager.

Hatshepsut was too ambitious to wait for her nephew to come of age and take her place however. As a favourite daughter of a popular pharaoh, and as a charismatic and beautiful lady in her own right, she was able to command enough of a following to actually take control as pharaoh, ruling for around 15 years, until her death in 1458 BC, and left behind more monuments and works of art than any other Egyptian Queen in history.

Hatshepsut, as a female, had many hurdles in her way. There was always a threat of revolt, especially as her bitter nephew came of age. Using propaganda and keen political skills, she deftly jumped each obstacle she faced. To quell the fears of her people, she became a “king” in all statuary and relief during her reign. She even dressed in the traditional garb of male rulers - the shendyt kilt, the nemes headdress with its uraeus and khat headcloth, and the false beard.