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Exceptional Women in History  

The name Hatshepsut means “Foremost of Noble Ladies”. Born in 1508 BC as an Egyptian princess, daughter of the great general Thutmose I.   According to some historical references she was a gifted and saavy leader who remained in power for over 20 years. Known as the most powerful pharaoh of Egypt, her time of rule was filled with peace and prosperity. She established and maintained trade relationships with foreign countries as a strategic thinker instead of going to war.  By the way, she named herself Pharaoh.  In order for her to stay in power, she constructed numerous buildings and monuments throughout Egypt including many statues of herself at these same locations.  Some of these statues were considered the greatest architecture achievements in Egypt.  The people of Egypt continued to praise her as their leader and pharaoh.  Although she took charge of the country and obviously ran it well, she still experienced sexism on a whole different level.  In fact, she had to change her outer appearance to be accepted. She wore a pharaoh’s headdress with a cobra, a fake beard and a short kilt like the men of Egypt wore during that time period.  Cunning, yes… ideal, no. 

 

Source Image: Ancient Deir el-Bahari or Dayr al-Bahri is a complex of mortuary temples and tombs located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite the city of Luxor, Egypt.