Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmose I and his great royal wife, Ahmose. She married her half-brother, Thutmose II, and became his queen consort. After his death, she acted as regent for her stepson, Thutmose III, who was too young to rule. She gradually assumed more power and declared herself as pharaoh, co-ruling with Thutmose III. She adopted the full titles and regalia of a male king, and had herself depicted with a male body and a false beard. She was one of the most successful and influential pharaohs of ancient Egypt. She initiated many building projects, such as the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, the Red Chapel at Karnak, and the obelisks of Hatshepsut. She also sent a famous expedition to the land of Punt, which brought back exotic goods and animals. She ruled for about 22 years and brought prosperity and stability to Egypt. She died around 1458 BC, and was buried in the Valley of the Kings. Her monuments were later defaced and her name was erased by her successors, who tried to diminish her legacy. However, modern scholars have rediscovered her achievements and recognized her as one of the greatest female rulers in history.