The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

A Monument to Egypt’s Most Powerful Woman

Rising dramatically from the desert cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is one of Egypt’s most impressive architectural wonders. Unlike any other temple in the country, it features a sleek, terraced design that seems to grow right out of the rock face.

But what makes this temple even more remarkable is the story behind it. It was built by Hatshepsut, Egypt’s longest-reigning female pharaoh, who ruled with authority and ambition during the 18th Dynasty (c. 1479–1458 BCE). Her temple wasn’t just a tribute to the gods—it was a bold statement of her legitimacy and power in a world dominated by male rulers.

A Bit of History: Who Was Queen Hatshepsut?

Hatshepsut was not just any queen—she was a pharaoh. After the death of her husband, she initially ruled as regent for her stepson Thutmose III but soon declared herself ruler in her own right. She even wore the traditional false beard and king’s regalia, blurring gender roles in a society where women rarely held the throne.

Her reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and massive building projects—including this very temple, designed by her architect and close confidant Senenmut.

Despite her achievements, many of her monuments were later defaced or destroyed, likely by Thutmose III after he came to full power—an attempt to erase her from history. Luckily, her temple survived.

A Queen in a King’s Role: Hatshepsut’s Masculine Imagery

Hatshepsut was one of ancient Egypt’s few female pharaohs, but she understood that ruling as a woman in a traditionally male role would not be easily accepted. To legitimize her reign and avoid having her legacy erased, she often depicted herself in masculine form—complete with the traditional pharaoh’s false beard, kilt, and broad chest.

These statues weren’t acts of disguise but rather strategic representations designed to communicate authority and continuity with Egypt’s long line of male rulers. Ironically, many of these images were later defaced—likely under the orders of her successor, Thutmose III—yet the very masculinity she embraced in her depictions may have helped parts of her story survive.

What You’ll See at the Temple

The temple itself is a masterpiece of symmetry and harmony, spread across three vast terraces connected by ramps. Here’s what not to miss:

Colonnaded Terraces: The lower and middle levels are lined with tall columns and reliefs depicting Hatshepsut’s divine birth, trade expeditions to the land of Punt, and her close relationship with the gods.
Sanctuary of Amun: At the rear of the temple lies a dark sanctuary dedicated to Amun-Ra, the chief deity during Hatshepsut’s reign.
Scenes of Punt Expedition: One of the temple’s most famous sets of carvings shows Egypt’s first recorded expedition to the mysterious land of Punt—believed to be in modern-day Eritrea or Somalia—bringing back incense, gold, exotic animals, and myrrh trees.
Statues of Hatshepsut: You’ll see representations of her as both a female and male ruler—some with the traditional pharaoh’s beard and crown.

The Sacred Tree Root in Front of the Temple

In front of Hatshepsut’s temple, visitors can still see the petrified remains of a sacred tree root—one of two sycamore fig trees that were believed to have been planted there as part of her divine birth narrative. These trees were more than ornamental; in ancient Egyptian mythology, the sycamore was considered a symbol of rebirth and protection.

The story goes that Hatshepsut claimed her divine conception was orchestrated by the god Amun, and scenes of this myth are famously carved along the temple walls. The surviving root is a subtle but powerful reminder of the queen’s efforts to intertwine her rule with divine legitimacy.

Tips for Visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut

Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. The sun reflects fiercely off the white limestone façade.
Wear sunscreen and bring water. There’s minimal shade.
Hire a guide or bring an audio tour—many of the carvings have deep symbolism and historical context that make the visit even richer.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Medina, or the Colossi of Memnon.

Book a Private Tour to the Valley of Kings & Queens and Hatchepsut Temple

Did You Know?

Egypt’s First Great Female Pharaoh: Hatshepsut ruled for over 20 years during the 18th Dynasty—longer than most male pharaohs of her time. Her reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and bold architectural projects like this very temple.
A Scene of Divine Birth: Inside the temple, intricate wall carvings depict Hatshepsut’s divine conception by the god Amun, crafted to reinforce her legitimacy as a ruler chosen by the gods.
Erased from History—Almost: After her death, her name and images were chiseled off monuments across Egypt—an attempt to erase her legacy. Ironically, this act of destruction preserved her memory, drawing attention from modern archaeologists.
Home to Sacred Trees: A petrified tree root still remains in front of the temple—believed to be one of the sycamore figs planted during her reign as part of a sacred garden.

Why This Location?

The temple was built in Deir el-Bahari on the West Bank of Luxor, near the Valley of the Kings. This area was sacred ground, home to mortuary temples and royal tombs, and its orientation toward the rising sun emphasized rebirth and the afterlife. Its position nestled against the cliffs symbolized protection and permanence—an eternal resting place worthy of a divine ruler.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

During my trip to Egypt, I booked a couple of tours and had an incredible time! I’m sharing the links below in case you’re interested.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

A Monument to Egypt’s Most Powerful Woman

A Bit of History: Who Was Queen Hatshepsut?

A Queen in a King’s Role: Hatshepsut’s Masculine Imagery

What You’ll See at the Temple

The Sacred Tree Root in Front of the Temple

Tips for Visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut

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Did You Know?

Why This Location?

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

Are you ready to start discovering Egypt?

More things to see in Egypt