Hatshepsut Becomes Pharaoh

What happened

Beginning as regent for her young stepson Thutmose III, Hatshepsut had herself crowned pharaoh and ruled in her own right for about two decades — one of the very few women to hold the full power of pharaoh. Her reign was prosperous and peaceful, marked by ambitious building and trade expeditions.

Why it matters

Hatshepsut was among the most successful and powerful female rulers of the ancient world; after her death, efforts were made to erase her from the record.

Sources

• World History Encyclopedia. Hatshepsut · Reputable source