The Temple of Hatshepsut at the West Bank of Luxor. At nearly 3,500 year old, it is one of the best preserved and most unique temples in Egypt, built during the reign of Hatshepsut, perhaps the most powerful woman in antiquity. [OC] [4000×2669]

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, standing within the cliff face of the West Bank of ancient Thebes, is one of the most stunning structures ever constructed. The pyramids get all the credit, but this temple, I would claim, is perhaps even more impressive. I just returned from 3 weeks exploring Egypt, and this was my personal favorite site. At nearly 3,500 years old, its preservation is nothing short of incredible, as well as the story of those behind its construction.

Hatshepsut, pharaoh queen of Eqypt during the 18th dynasty, led the kingdom into some of Egypt’s most prosperous years ever. The architect behind the construction of this temple is Senenmet, Hatshepsut’s most trusted advisor who held over 90 titles, despite coming from a non-royal birth.

However, shortly after the death of the queen and the disappearance of Senenmut, a deliberate erasure of all their statues and inscriptions was carried out by the next pharaoh (the queen’s stepson) – Thutmoses III. Archaeologists have been puzzled for centuries as to what prompted Thutmoses III, and then briefly his son, to commit these acts. Perhaps, is there more to the story of Hatshepsut and Senenmut than meets the eye? I believe so…

I also created a short cinematic film showing the interior of the site if interested: [Hatshepsut Temple](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgpnmwLkJaU)

It also has quite a unique architecture style

[A song to the great pharaoh ](https://youtu.be/BpOlbKyzVhk?si=fX4RuBea1uaXojq8)

So amazing! Can’t wait to visit one day….

I know this is controversial, but it’s never been one of my favourites. I always think it looks squat, unimposing and somewhat bland compared to other temples.

wonder if there’s more that haven’t been dug up

Well we know why he wanted to eliminate her from the record. Egyptian kings’ rule are based on divine right of inheritance from their father’s line. Hatshepsut’s main claim came from her father, and her generally incestuous marriage to Thutmose II, common in Egyptian royalty to conserve power.

Thutmose III’s mother was NOT Hatshepsut. He did not directly inherit from her, he inherited from his father. If she were the legitimate predecessor then her offspring would be rightful heir – her daughter.

Politics being what they are, child rulers are not strong, so the regency is necessary. But regents don’t like to just step aside, especially when they can hang on and have the backing of the military and powerful religious and noble alliances figures to do so.

Hatshepsut acted as regent during his minority and refused to step aside; she was looking to move one of her own daughters into the pharaoh slot, bypassing Thutmose. So he really really needed to establish his legitimacy away from hers; she was a royal wife; she didn’t inherit the throne, she usurped it.

Not that history hasn’t rewarded this; Catherine The Great of Russia usurped Peter II’s throne too, as did Wu Zetian of China.

Hatshepsut did it before these others though. She used her power as regent to slide herself into the pharaoh slot, working to groom her daughter to take over. Had she been able to hand the political reins to her daughter, no doubt stepson/nephew Thutmose would have simply disappeared from history.

People don’t grasp the insanity of this. Either it was aliens or it was done by hand. Insane either way.

I have seen it. It is incredible!