In reliefs she commissioned of herself, she is often represented in the dress of a male pharaoh, even wearing a fake beard the only indication that she is a woman is her name inscribed beside her image. Hatshepsut actively asserted her role as pharaoh and sought to legitimate her rule over Egypt in numerous, highly visible ways. Though this role was traditionally assumed by mothers of young kings, Hatshepsut acted as principal king while Thutmose III was treated as co-regent, a role usually reserved for younger, designated heirs appointed by their fathers. Thutmose III was just a child at the time he was crowned pharaoh, which allowed Queen Hatshepsut to rule alongside Thutmose III as his regent.ĭespite her legal title as regent, Hatshepsut actively took the pharaonic role, because the king himself was still young. Thutmose III, the son of Thutmose II and a secondary queen named Isis, became the next in line to rule over Egypt. His only child with Hatsheput was their daughter Neferure, who as a princess, could not take over her father’s throne. Thutmose II’s reign was short-lived, however he died only two years after taking the throne. At that time Thutmose II, Thuthmose’s son by the non-royal Moutnofrit, became the rightful heir to the throne and married his half-sister Hatshepsut.
During her reign she adopted a role and title typically reserved for male rulers.īorn to King Thuthmose I and his wife Ahmose, Hatshepsut began her ascent to power following the death of her father. Hatshepsut reigned over Ancient Egypt as its veritable pharaoh while the official king was still too young to rule effectively.