Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Located in Upper Egypt, near the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a marvel of ancient architecture. This grand structure, also known as Djeser-Djeseru (Holy of Holies), is a testament to the power and influence of one of the few female pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The temple’s unique design, its historical significance, and the mysteries surrounding its construction and purpose continue to captivate historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike.

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Historical Background

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut was built during the reign of the queen herself, around 1473-1458 BC, making it over 3,500 years old. Hatshepsut, the second historically confirmed female pharaoh, commissioned the temple as a funerary monument for herself and her father, Thutmose I. The temple was designed by the royal architect Senenmut, who was also Hatshepsut’s close advisor and possibly her lover. The temple stands as a testament to Hatshepsut’s successful reign and her efforts to legitimize her rule in a male-dominated society.

Architectural Highlights

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a masterpiece of early New Kingdom architecture. The temple is built into a cliff face at the base of the Theban Hills and consists of three terraces, each of which is lined with colonnades of square pillars. The temple is made primarily of limestone, quarried from the hills directly above the temple. The temple’s design is symmetrical, with the central axis aligned with the peak of the mountain in the background. The temple complex is approximately 97,000 square feet, with the main temple structure measuring about 210 feet in width and 60 feet in height.

Theories and Interpretations

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut was not just a funerary monument, but also a place of worship. The temple was dedicated to the sun god Amun-Ra and was used for religious ceremonies. The temple’s alignment with the peak of the mountain and the rising sun suggests a symbolic connection to the divine. The temple’s reliefs and inscriptions provide valuable insights into the reign of Hatshepsut, including her divine birth story and her successful military campaigns. The temple was also the site of an annual festival in honor of Amun-Ra. The dating of the temple was confirmed through historical records and radiocarbon dating of organic materials found at the site.

Good to know/Additional Information

After Hatshepsut’s death, her successor and stepson Thutmose III ordered the defacement of her monuments, including her temple. Many of the statues and reliefs of Hatshepsut were destroyed or altered. However, the temple was rediscovered in the 19th century and has since been restored. Today, the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited historical sites in Egypt. Despite the passage of time and the damage inflicted upon it, the temple continues to stand as a powerful symbol of one of the most influential women in history.