By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 6, 2025

In the long, storied history of ancient Egypt, few rulers stand out quite like Hatshepsut. Born around 1507 BCE and reigning during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, she defied traditional gender roles to become one of Egypt’s most successful and enduring pharaohs. Not merely a caretaker of the throne, Hatshepsut proved to be a strategic leader, a patron of the arts, and a master of political imagery who ushered in an era of peace, prosperity, and monumental architecture.

Ascension to Power

Hatshepsut was the daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I and married her half-brother, Thutmose II, as was customary in royal lineage preservation. When her husband died, the throne passed nominally to his young son, Thutmose III. However, as the boy was too young to rule, Hatshepsut assumed the role of regent. What began as a temporary stewardship quickly transformed into something unprecedented: Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh.

To solidify her position, she adopted full pharaonic titles and was frequently depicted in traditional male regalia—including the false beard and kilt of a king. This was not a denial of her womanhood, but rather a strategic move to fit the mold of Egyptian royal iconography, ensuring that her reign was seen as legitimate and divinely sanctioned.

Trade Expansion and Economic Growth

One of Hatshepsut’s most notable achievements was the revitalization and expansion of Egypt’s trade networks. She famously organized a trading expedition to the Land of Punt—a mysterious region believed to be located near modern-day Somalia or Eritrea. This mission brought back gold, ebony, ivory, exotic animals, and myrrh trees, which were planted in temple gardens.

These efforts greatly enriched Egypt and reinforced her status as a wise economic leader. The success of her trade policies helped secure Egypt’s wealth and stability during her reign, allowing her to focus resources on ambitious architectural projects.

A Builder of Wonders

Hatshepsut’s legacy is most visibly enshrined in her building projects, which were unmatched by any prior female ruler. Her crowning achievement is the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, a stunning complex carved into the cliffs of the Theban mountains near Luxor. With its elegant terraces, colonnades, and ramps, the temple remains one of the masterpieces of ancient Egyptian architecture.

She also restored and expanded temples at Karnak and other important religious sites, often dedicating her works to the god Amun, further associating her rule with divine approval.

Legacy and Erasure

Despite her successful reign, Hatshepsut’s memory was nearly lost to history. After her death around 1458 BCE, her stepson Thutmose III took the throne in full capacity and initiated a campaign to erase her from the historical record. Her images were chiseled off temple walls, her statues destroyed or buried, and her name omitted from king lists.

Scholars believe this was not out of hatred, but rather an attempt to restore the “proper” male line of succession. Ironically, these acts of erasure may have helped preserve her story, as modern archaeologists pieced together clues that reignited global interest in her reign.

Final Thoughts

Hatshepsut was more than just a queen who ruled as king—she was a visionary who redefined what leadership could look like in ancient Egypt. Through diplomacy, trade, and monumental ambition, she left a legacy not just written in papyrus, but carved in stone. Today, her name stands as a symbol of strength, resilience, and innovation in the face of societal expectations.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

TAGS:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #Hatshepsut #Ancient Egypt #Strategic Leader

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