Overview of the Ruler and Key Achievements
I am Hatshepsut, a governor of Egypt, and not a typical pharaoh, for I am a woman, a queen who ascended the throne to rule for over two decades. Being a ruler in Ancient Egypt encompassed far more than one could imagine. From the time the sun rose over the Nile until it sank back into its depths, my days were filled with orchestrating governmental bureaucracies, perpetuating political propaganda, and handling inevitable political intrigue. Still, my achievements include monumental architectural wonders, such as my mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri and the expansion of Egypt’s trade networks. I believe a ruler can transform power and divinity into tangible forms, creating a lasting legacy for future generations, as it is also represented through temples built during my rule.
Artistic Commissions and Architectural Innovations
Two significant artworks epitomize my reign: the imposing statue of me in the guise of a male pharaoh and my reliefs at Deir el-Bahri, showing the divine birth and coronation. The statue symbolizes my political power and challenges the conventional gender roles of the time. The reliefs, meanwhile, legitimize my rule by portraying me as divinely appointed, an eternal beacon of resilience and innovation (Norrie 112-118). In the future, I would commission a grand mural, illustrating the prosperity brought to Egypt through our expanded trade routes. A second masterpiece would be a sculpture garden, filled with stone effigies of sacred animals to honor the gods and symbolize the harmony I have strived to maintain between humanity and nature.
Summary and Reflections with a Memorable Insight
As Hatshepsut, I transcended the boundaries of traditional power and gender, changing the course of Egypt’s history. My rule was not just about politics and power but about leveraging art to redefine norms and inspire my people. Through my leadership, Egypt flourished economically, politically, and culturally. I left a legacy of resilience, innovation, and harmony – embodied in the very stones of Egypt – for all who dare to gaze upon the majesty of my reign and envision a future where possibilities are limitless.
Work Cited
Norrie, Aidan. “Female Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt.” The Routledge History of Monarchy, edited by Elena Woodacre et al., Routledge, 2019, pp. 501-517.