Hatshepsut and the Ancient Egypt for kids

As pharaohs play an important role in the ancient Egypt for kids, it is significant to mention that not all pharaohs were men. Egypt has also been ruled by female Pharaohs. Hatshepsut is one of the most successful female leaders of Egyptian dynasty who has the one of the longest reign in history. It was not common for Egyptians to be ruled by female leaders but in some dynasties the men Pharaohs allotted the governmental rules in the hands of their beloved.

There have been numerous female Pharaohs in ancient Egypt which are important to mention in the ancient Egypt for kids. Some of them included Nimaethap, Nitocris,Sobekneferu, Ahhotep, Amenhotep, Nefertari and Cleopetra VII. Amongst all the female Pharaohs Hatshepsut’s reign is known to be the most prosperous one. She is known to have brought great wealth through enforcing peaceful relationships with trading partners. She ruled for almost 22 years according to scriptures found by archeologists.

During the second intermediate period of ancient Egypt history trade networks were disrupted by the invasion of Hykos. Hatshepsut re-established these networks by sending missions to different lands with her representatives to bring goods into the country. Here expeditions went to the land of Punt, Byblos and Sinai and provided Egypt with peaceful trading opportunities which increased the wealth of Egypt as well.

Hatshepsut is also known to have led many successful military campaigns in Nubia, Levant and Syria. She was also known as one of the most prolific builders in Egypt. The ancient Egypt for kids also calls for looking into the construction projects Hatshepsut took under her reign. She employed some of the finest architects of Egypt to build monuments, temples, chapels, shrines and her famous obelisks.

Hatshepsut also liked to promote her accomplishments. Many of the buildings constructed by her had inscriptions of her achievements and the work she had done in hieroglyphic writing. Hatshepsut lifestyle is also important to mention in the ancient Egypt for kids. She was a dedicated Egyptian representing her symbol and regalia in all her belongings and communication aspects. The expeditions she sent took her regalia on the ships and decorations they exchanged with the traders.

Hatshepsut was also the daughter of the Pharaoh before she became one herself. She was the Great Royal Wife of Thutmose II. She held the position of God’s Wife which was a term used for royal women at that time during her father’s period.

The challenges she faced during her reign are unknown to be told in the ancient Egypt for kids. However some findings do show that Hatshepsut was forcedly removed from her throne and several attempts were made by her nephew Tuthmose III. The tomb she created for herself was destroyed after her mummy was removed and placed in some other tomb. It is also presumed that after her death her symbols were removed from every monument by Tuthmose as well to ensure that he is the true successor and Pharaoh.