People • Historical figure

Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty. She first governed as regent for Thutmose III and then assumed the full titles and regalia of a pharaoh, becoming one of the most prominent women in ancient Egyptian history.

Early life and family

Hatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmose I and Ahmose and was married to her half-brother Thutmose II. She is also identified as the mother of Neferure.

Rise to power

After Thutmose II died, Hatshepsut initially acted as regent for Thutmose III. She then claimed the kingship herself and ruled as pharaoh.

Reign and achievements

Hatshepsut’s reign was marked by peace, trade, and large-scale construction. Her best-known monument is the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri, and she also commissioned major works at Karnak.

Legacy

Hatshepsut became one of the best-known rulers of ancient Egypt and a major example of female kingship in world history. Later efforts to remove her from official memory did not erase her historical importance.

Key facts

Hatshepsut is widely described as one of the most important female rulers of ancient Egypt.
She began her political role as regent for Thutmose III after the death of Thutmose II.
She later adopted the full royal titles and symbols of a pharaoh, including male regalia.
Her reign is associated with major building projects, including the mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri.
After her death, some of her inscriptions and images were later erased or altered.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Hatshepsut?

Hatshepsut was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled in the Eighteenth Dynasty and became one of the most powerful female rulers in Egyptian history.

When did Hatshepsut rule?

She is generally dated to a reign of about 1473–1458 BCE, although some sources use slightly different dates.

Was Hatshepsut a queen or a pharaoh?

She was both a queen and a pharaoh, but her most important political role was as ruling pharaoh in her own right.

What is Hatshepsut best known for?

She is best known for her unusually powerful rule as a woman, major building projects, and trade expeditions, especially to Punt.

Who were Hatshepsut’s parents?

Her father was Thutmose I and her mother was Ahmose.

What happened to Hatshepsut after her death?

Some of her monuments and inscriptions were later defaced or altered, likely as part of a campaign associated with Thutmose III.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hatshepsut
Supports: Hatshepsut as female king of Egypt, her reign, adoption of pharaonic titles and regalia.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Hatshepsut
Supports: Daughter of Thutmose I, wife of Thutmose II, regency, coronation as pharaoh, building program, uncertainty about death.
HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/hatshepsut
Supports: Family background, regency, assumption of pharaonic power, co-rule with Thutmose III.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art — https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2006/hatshepsut
Supports: Dates of reign and status as an important female ruler of the New Kingdom.
National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/hatshepsut
Supports: General biographical context and early life as a royal woman of Egypt.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization — https://nmec.gov.eg/mummies-hall/hatshepsut/
Supports: Hatshepsut as a powerful queen and ruling pharaoh, and her parentage.