The pyramids get all the credit, but this temple in Egypt, I would claim, is perhaps even more impressive. 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. I captured these photos during sunrise, which I would say is the best time to experience the temple.
Hatshepsut, pharaoh queen of Eqypt during the 18th dynasty (in the 1400’s BC), 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 was there in the 80’s. Still blows my mind. I took a lot of pictures, including medium format B&W. Some of my favorites.
To one side I also went to the tomb of Senenmut? The architect’s tomb is a great thing to visit. It’s not big but consider it is a very rare non-royal tomb
2 Comments
The pyramids get all the credit, but this temple in Egypt, I would claim, is perhaps even more impressive. 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. I captured these photos during sunrise, which I would say is the best time to experience the temple.
Hatshepsut, pharaoh queen of Eqypt during the 18th dynasty (in the 1400’s BC), 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 video showing the interior of the site if interested: [Hatshepsut Temple](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgpnmwLkJaU)
I was there in the 80’s. Still blows my mind. I took a lot of pictures, including medium format B&W. Some of my favorites.
To one side I also went to the tomb of Senenmut? The architect’s tomb is a great thing to visit. It’s not big but consider it is a very rare non-royal tomb
Thanks for the reminder and info OP