Hatshepsut was the first great woman in recorded history.

Born in 1520 BC she was the daughter of Thutmose I and the first wife of Thutmose II. When he died, she proclaimed herself Pharoah, denying her nephew of his inheritance. To convince everyone, she claimed that the God Amon-Ra spoke the words: "Welcome, my sweet daughter, my favourite, the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, Maatkare, Hatshepsut. Thou art the King, taking possession of the two lands." She dressed as a king, even wearing a false beard, and the Egyptian people seemed to have accepted this unprecedented behaviour.

During her twenty years in power, the Egyptian economy flourished. She expanded trading relations and built many fabulous temples. She also restored many others. Thutmose III shared her place as Pharoah as he grew up, though he actually succeded her after she died in 1483 BC.

| Home | About Us | Learn Design Web | Publish Web Site | Competitions | Add to Search Engine | E-mail |

| Games | Cool Links | Quizzes | Jokes | Kids Own Activity |Contact Us | Ancient Civilisations |