Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Introduction

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (also known as Temple of Queen Hatshepsut or Deir El-Bahari) is located at the northernmost end of the Theban Necropolis, situated between the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Hatshepsut was the daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I of the 18th Dynasty and is one of the few women in history to have ruled as pharaoh, the other being Cleopatra. She built her temple into the cliffs, creating an elegant effect that symbolized the enduring stability of her reign. The temple has three terraces adorned with many intricately carved reliefs rich in symbolism. Hatshepsut was Egypt’s first female pharaoh. After the death of her husband Thutmose II, she served as regent for her young stepson Thutmose III and later declared herself pharaoh. She emphasized trade, particularly with the region now known as Somalia, to acquire valuable spices—scenes of these trading expeditions are depicted in the temple’s mortuary chapel. As a female ruler, Hatshepsut demonstrated strong political acumen but was locked in a power struggle with her stepson and eventual successor, Thutmose III. After her death, he took revenge by defacing many images of her within the temple. Most of what remains today is the result of later restoration efforts. Ticket/Opening Hours: 12 Egyptian pounds, half price for students.

Luxor, Egypt