Temple of Hatshepsut
The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is one of the most remarkable monuments of ancient Egypt. Located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, this mortuary temple was built for Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, who ruled during the 18th Dynasty (around 1479–1458 BCE).
Three terraces against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari
The temple is renowned for its unique and innovative design, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs. It is a terraced structure of three levels connected by long ramps, a significant departure from traditional Egyptian temple designs. It stands beside the temple of Mentuhotep II, whose earlier monument influenced its design.
The divine birth and the expedition to Punt
The walls are adorned with detailed reliefs and inscriptions depicting significant events from Hatshepsut’s reign, including her divine birth and her famous expedition to the Land of Punt, an ancient trading region. Many reliefs emphasize her legitimacy as pharaoh by showing her relationship with the gods, particularly Amun-Ra.
A woman who ruled as pharaoh set her claim to the throne in stone, against the cliffs of Thebes.
A temple for Amun-Ra and a queen’s memory
The temple was built to honor Hatshepsut’s life and to serve as a place of worship for Amun-Ra, the chief deity of Thebes. It was also used for her posthumous cult and as a symbol of her divine birth and right to rule. It belongs to the larger Theban Necropolis, which also includes the Valley of the Kings.
- Built for
- Hatshepsut
- Dynasty
- 18th
- Terraces
- 3
- Site
- Deir el-Bahari
Visit on these journeys
Offered as an optional excursion on day 2, as part of the West Bank visit.
