In terms of visual impact from a distance, there is no rival to Hatshepsut’s temples. The unique multi-tiered structure nestled against the limestone cliffs on the shoulder of the river valley is a truly breathtaking sight.
The uniqueness of the layout reflects that of the pharaoh who was responsible for its construction. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut/Hatshepsut Temple belongs to the Unesco World Heritage. Here you can read an interesting article about the Unesco World Heritage.
Hatshepsut was the only female pharaoh in the history of ancient Egypt. After the death of her father Tuthmosis I and her half-brother and husband Tuthmosis II, who succeeded her father on the throne, she came to power in the New Kingdom.
Pharaoh of Egypt: Pharaoh Hatshepsut
A female pharaoh ruled Egypt. She was originally queen to her husband’s son by another woman, Tuthmosis III, But she seized the throne from him and managed to retain power until her death. However, Hatshepsut’s status as the only woman to rule Egypt is not the only reason for her fame.
She was also a very successful pharaoh. She ruled an era of peace and prosperity and developed lucrative trade routes to the land of Punt in the south. This achievement is immortalized in the relief carvings on her temple. She also contributed significantly to many temples, including Karnak.
The temple was in ruins when it was discovered in the mid-19th century. It was built by Thutmosis III. After he accedes to the throne heavily devastated, probably because Hatshepsut had kept him from power.
She was originally queen of her husband’s son by another woman, Tuthmosis III, But she seized the throne from him and managed to keep the power until her death. However, Hatshepsut’s status as the only woman to rule Egypt is not the only reason for her fame.
She was also a very successful pharaoh. She ruled an era of peace and prosperity and developed lucrative trade routes to the land of Punt in the south. This achievement is immortalized in the relief carvings on her temple. She also contributed significantly to many temples, including Karnak.
The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut was in ruins when it was discovered in the middle of the 19th century. It was built by Thutmosis III. After he accedes to the throne, severely devastated, presumably because Hatshepsut had kept him from power.
Important facts about the Temple of Hatshepsut at Luxor
Continuous excavation and restoration work since 1891 has uncovered one of the finest monuments of ancient Egypt, but it must have been more impressive in the time of Hatshepsut (1473-1458).
In ancient times the temple was accessed by a walkway flanked by sphinxes instead of the tourist bazaar that is crossed today. The courtyard was a garden where various exotic trees and fragrant plants grew (the ancient Egyptians called it ¨the holiest of holies¨.
Although the design of the site may seem a bit strange, it contained all the elements that a memorial temple used to have, including the raised central axis and the three-part plan, but it had to be adapted to the chosen site, almost in line with the temple of Amun at Karnak and near an ancient shrine of the goddess Hathor.
The temple was plundered several times: Thutmose III erased the name of his stepmother whenever he could, Akhenaten removed all references to Amun, and the early Christians turned it into a monastery, Deir el-Bahri (monastery of the North), and erased the pagan reliefs.
Deir al-Bahri has been cited as one of the hottest places on Earth, so it is advisable to visit early in the morning, also because the reliefs are best seen when the sunlight is not intense.
The entrance to the complex is through the large courtyard, where you can still see the ancient roots of the time.
Egypt Trip: Cairo with Nile Cruise
The site was used in the early centuries AD. Chr. Also used as a monastery, which probably contributed to its destruction. As a result, it has been heavily restored. Most of the columns are not original and many of the relief images are not well preserved. For this reason, the temple can be a bit disappointing up close, especially due to its popularity with tour groups.
This achievement is immortalized in the relief carvings on her temple. It also contributed significantly to many temples, including Karnak. It evolved over 1500 years and was expanded by generation after generation of pharaohs, resulting in a collection of temples, sanctuaries, pylons, and other decorations that is unparalleled in all of Egypt.
Don’t miss the chance and take one of the beautiful Egypt round trips or join one of the Nile cruises.
