The Hatshepsut Temple, also called the Temple of Deir el-Bahari, is an incredible architectural marvel located on the western bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. Constructed around the 15th century BCE, this temple is a testament to the brilliance, authority, and enduring influence of one of ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, Queen Hatshepsut. In this detailed guide, we will delve into the fascinating realm of the Hatshepsut Temple, delving into its history, architecture, significance, and long-lasting legacy.

What is the Importance of the Hatshepsut Temple? 

The temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari) was called Dsr Dsrw Imn, “Holy of the holies of Amun.” his modern name, Deir el-Bahari, served as a mortuary temple devoted to the worship of the sun god Amun-Ra and as a tribute to Hatshepsut’s divine lineage. The temple also helped to show off all the great things Queen Hatshepsut did as a pharaoh, made sure everyone knew her rule was legitimate, and ensured that people would always remember her and what she did.

The temple was constructed on a great scale, with two enormous courtyards surrounded by towering limestone walls depicting Hatshepsut and her family. There were various chambers within the walls, including a shrine dedicated to Amun-Ra, one of Egypt’s greatest gods at the time.

Hatshepsut Temple – Luxor Attractions

Who was Queen Hatshepsut?

Queen Hatshepsut is considered the most famous Queen in ancient Egypt. She ruled Egypt as a man for over 20 years, which was a time of peace. She was born in 1508 BC during the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt. She was the daughter of King Thutmose I and the principal wife of Queen Ahmose. Moreover, she was a half-sister to her husband, Thutmose II, around the age of 12, as Hatshepsut enjoyed a powerful personality, and she was ambitious for the throne and ruled Egypt solely. 

Queen Hatshepsut

Where is Hatshepsut Temple located?

Temple’s Strategic Location

The Hatshepsut Temple is situated in the Valley of the Kings, near the ancient city of Thebes (Luxor), on the western bank of the Nile River.

Hatshepsut chose the site of El-Deir El-Bahari for her temple for many reasons:

• It was located in the valley considered holy for over 500 years to the principal feminine goddess related to the funeral world.

• It is also on the axis of the temple of Amun of Karnak Temple.

• It stood at a distance of only a few hundred meters from the tomb that the Queen Hatshepsut had ordered to be constructed for herself (KV 20) in the Valley of the Kings, on the other side of the mountain.

 

Explore the Marvels of Queen Hatshepsut temple

Lower and Central Courts

Lower and Central Courts

The Punt Colonnade at Hatshepsut Temple

The Punt Colonnade commemorates an expedition ordered by Hatshepsut to the north of Punt, an exotic country on the Red Sea coast (Somalia), to bring back myrrh and incense trees to be planted on the terraces of the temple.

Punt Colonnade

On the southern wall are scenes of:

– The village in Punt, where the houses are constructed over water with ladders leading up to the entrances.

– The arrival of Egyptian ships to Punt, loaded with all the Egyptian goods, under the command of Nahsy.

– The ruler of the city of Punt, the inhabitants, the grazing cattle and even the village dog.

– The incense trees, the main objects of the expeditions, were carried off with their fools done up in baskets full of mud by the Egyptian sailors. These will be carried back to Deir el-Bahari, there to be planted in the court.

Sailing to Punt

On the west wall are scenes of:

– The ships being loaded by the goods of Punt for the return voyage.

– A great scene of Queen Hatshepsut (defaced) offering the goods of her expedition to god Amun: incense trees, wild game, cattle, electrum, ivory and bows.

– Queen Hatshepsut announces the success of the expedition to the high officials of her court. The architect Senenmut is figured in the middle of the three officials who are standing before Hatshepsut.

Hatshepsut’s Punt Expedition

The Divine Birth Colonnade

The divine birth colonnade (the northern portico) corresponds exactly to the Punt Colonnade. The scenes on the walls of this colonnade represented the legend of the divine birth of Queen Hatshepsut to allay concerns about her right to the throne.

Divine Birth Colonnade

From south to north of Hatshepsut Temple, We have the scenes of:

Hatshepsut Temple From South to North

– God Amun announced to the Ennead his desire to have a son from his blood to rule the country.

– God Thot recommends him, the Queen Ahmose, wife of Tuthmosis I, to be his wife and the mother of the new king.

– God Amun meets the Queen’s mother, Ahmose, touching her hand, approaching the sign of life, “ankh,” to her nose and telling her that she will give birth called Hatshepsut.

– The ram-headed Khnum was shaping Hatshepsut and her Ka on the potter’s wheel.

– The pregnant Queen Ahmose was led to the birth room by the god Khnum and the goddess Hekat.

– In the scene of the actual birth, the Queen’s mother sits on a chair, which is placed on a couch held aloft by various gods.

– The queen mother has a retinue of female attendants.

– Hathor then presents Hatshepsut to Amun, and twelve kas of the divine child are suckled by twelve goddesses.

– Hatshepsut and her ka have been erased, but in the scene at the end of the wall, they pass through the hands of various goddesses who recorded the divine birth.

– Hatshepsut’s mother is shown in the presence of the Ibis-headed Thot, the ram-headed Khnum and the frog-headed Heket.

– She also converses with Amun, who tells her that her daughter shall exercise kingship throughout the land.

 

The upper terrace

The Upper Terrace

The second ramp of the middle terrace leads to the upper terrace, whose colonnade (portico) consists of two rows of 22 pillars in each one, the first originally decorated with Osirian statues of the Queen, no mostly destroyed and the second row of the same number of sixteen-sided columns.

Through a great gate of pink granite, one enters a courtyard circled by columns. To the north and south of the courtyard, there are two areas dedicated respectively to the cult of the sun and that of the royalty.

The northern part dedicated to the solar cult of Re-Hor-akhty includes a vestibule with columns leading into a courtyard with a solar altar in the center. In the northern part of the courtyard, there is another chapel dedicated to the cult of Anubis (the upper chapel of Anubis).

The southern part of the upper terrace dedicated to the royal cult consists of a vestibule from which one gains admittance to two chapels dedicated to the cult of Hatshepsut and that of Tuthmosis I.

 

The sanctuary

Moving towards the West along the axis of the temple, one comes across the rock sanctuary of Amun, excavated into the mountain slope and destined to receive the sacred boat during the Beautiful Feast of the Valley.

The sanctuary at Hatshepsut Temple

Main scenes of the sanctuary

– In the first chamber is a scene (on the upper reaches of the right-hand wall) of Hatshepsut, Tuthmosis II and their little daughter, Princess Nefrw Ra, sacrificing to the Barque of Amun.

– Behind them is the Queen’s father, Tuthmosis I, with his wife, Queen Ahmose, and their little daughter.

 

Curious Facts about the Temple of Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut Temple Facts

· Hatshepsut’s name was removed from her own temple. Regardless of being a temple dedicated to the well-known pharaoh, there are very few remains of columns, sculptures or other works about Queen Hatshepsut. That happened because After her death, her brother, King Thutmose III, who had harbored resentment because Queen Hatshepsut had assumed the throne twenty years earlier, ordered the removal and destruction of all traces associated with her within the temple. He replaced these depictions with statues and inscriptions honoring himself.

· From temple to monastery. This temple was transformed into a monastery with the arrival of the Christians in Egypt, causing some damage to its interior.

 

conclusion

Hatshepsut Temple is a remarkable architectural marvel nestled within the dramatic landscape of Luxor City. Its intriguing history and stunning design make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. As you explore the grand terraces and learn about the enigmatic Queen Hatshepsut, you’re transported to the heart of ancient Egypt.

The wonders of Luxor don’t stop here. Nearby attractions, including the colossal statues of the Colossi of Memnon, the magnificent Valley of the Kings, and the impressive Karnak Temple complex, invite further exploration. Each site carries a piece of Egypt’s rich history and culture, making Luxor a true treasure trove for those who seek to unravel the mysteries of the past.