The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut: A Wonder of the Ancient World
May 27
As we seek to understand the ancient world, we often hear tales of grand temples with monumental structures that evoke a sense of awe and wonder. Among these architectural treasures is the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a true masterpiece from ancient Egypt. This temple is a testament to the remarkable achievements of the ancient world and a fitting tribute to the powerful queen who commissioned its construction. With its rich history and stunning beauty, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a wonder that captivates anyone who sees it. Join me as we explore the glory of this magnificent temple and its importance in the ancient world.
History of the temple and its builder, Hatshepsut
As you approach the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, it is easy to understand why it is considered a wonder of the ancient world. Located in Deir el-Bahri, across the river from Luxor, this temple was built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most successful female rulers. The temple is a masterpiece of ancient architecture, with three massive terraces rising above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Thebes. The structure is designed to blend organically with the surrounding landscape and was heavily influenced by the temple of Mentuhotep II, built six centuries earlier.
Pharaoh Hatshepsut was known for her grand building projects that honoured the gods and preserved the memory of her reign for eternity. The construction of monumental temples and monuments was not just a grand gesture to appease her ego but was central to the foundation and development of a unified state. Building projects ensured work for peasant farmers during the Nile's inundation, encouraged unity through collective effort, and provided opportunities for expressing ma'at, the central value of ancient Egyptian society.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was a grand expression of her authority, the legitimacy of her reign, and her public image. As a woman in a traditionally male position of power, she understood the need to establish her authority in more obvious ways. The scale and elegance of her temple surpassed previous monumental works in every respect and linked her to the grandeur of the past. The temple was modelled after the mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II, and just like her predecessor, Hatshepsut was revered as a second Menes.
Its axes identify the temple's twin functions: its main east-west axis served to receive the barque of Amun at the festival's climax. In contrast, its north-south axis represented the life cycle of the pharaoh from coronation to rebirth. The barque sanctuary is located on the main east-west axis, and the mortuary cult is displaced south to form the auxiliary axis with the solar cult complex to the north. The shrines to Hathor and Anubis lie on the middle terrace, and at the front of the terrace are notable reliefs of the expedition to the Land of Punt and the divine birth of Hatshepsut.
Despite its grandeur, the temple suffered over time. Two decades after Hatshepsut's death, under the direction of Thutmose III, references to her rule were erased, usurped, or obliterated. In the 8th century AD, a monastery of Coptic monks was built between the lower porticoes, and images of Christ were painted over the temple's original reliefs. Finally, in the modern era, serious excavation work was conducted during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, the temple is a testament to the ambition and grandeur of ancient Egyptian society. Its design, construction, and restoration efforts showcase the ingenuity and collective effort of the ancient builders and modern restoration teams. As you gaze upon its terraces rising from the desert floor, you can almost feel the weight of its history and the majesty of its builder, Hatshepsut, the second Menes. [1][2]
Pharaoh Hatshepsut was known for her grand building projects that honoured the gods and preserved the memory of her reign for eternity. The construction of monumental temples and monuments was not just a grand gesture to appease her ego but was central to the foundation and development of a unified state. Building projects ensured work for peasant farmers during the Nile's inundation, encouraged unity through collective effort, and provided opportunities for expressing ma'at, the central value of ancient Egyptian society.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was a grand expression of her authority, the legitimacy of her reign, and her public image. As a woman in a traditionally male position of power, she understood the need to establish her authority in more obvious ways. The scale and elegance of her temple surpassed previous monumental works in every respect and linked her to the grandeur of the past. The temple was modelled after the mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II, and just like her predecessor, Hatshepsut was revered as a second Menes.
Its axes identify the temple's twin functions: its main east-west axis served to receive the barque of Amun at the festival's climax. In contrast, its north-south axis represented the life cycle of the pharaoh from coronation to rebirth. The barque sanctuary is located on the main east-west axis, and the mortuary cult is displaced south to form the auxiliary axis with the solar cult complex to the north. The shrines to Hathor and Anubis lie on the middle terrace, and at the front of the terrace are notable reliefs of the expedition to the Land of Punt and the divine birth of Hatshepsut.
Despite its grandeur, the temple suffered over time. Two decades after Hatshepsut's death, under the direction of Thutmose III, references to her rule were erased, usurped, or obliterated. In the 8th century AD, a monastery of Coptic monks was built between the lower porticoes, and images of Christ were painted over the temple's original reliefs. Finally, in the modern era, serious excavation work was conducted during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, the temple is a testament to the ambition and grandeur of ancient Egyptian society. Its design, construction, and restoration efforts showcase the ingenuity and collective effort of the ancient builders and modern restoration teams. As you gaze upon its terraces rising from the desert floor, you can almost feel the weight of its history and the majesty of its builder, Hatshepsut, the second Menes. [1][2]
Unique architectural features of the temple
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Djeser-Djeseru, is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular ancient structures in the world. Here are six of the unique architectural features that make it truly special.
Firstly, the three massive terraces that rise above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari are simply awe-inspiring. The temple looks like it's been carved directly out of the rock face, blending naturally into its surroundings. It's hard to imagine how much manpower and skill it took to construct such a massive structure.
Walking through the temple, you'll notice how its axes have been carefully designed to serve two purposes. The main axis runs east to west and serves to receive the barque of Amun-Re during festival times. The north-south axis, on the other hand, represented the life cycle of the pharaoh from coronation to rebirth. Its clever design allows visitors to experience different facets of the temple and its history.
Inside the temple, one of the most striking features is the sanctuary of the barque of Amun-Re. Interestingly, this occupies the main axis normally reserved for the mortuary complex and displaced the cult southwards. The solar cult complex, meanwhile, is located to the north. It's a unique arrangement sets the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut apart from other ancient structures.
The middle terrace of the temple houses some of the most notable reliefs. The depictions of the expedition to Punt and the divine birth of Hatshepsut, in particular, are the backbone of her case for occupying the throne. The reliefs are exquisitely detailed and provide visitors with a fascinating insight into life during the Eighteenth Dynasty.
Another unique feature of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is the Hathor shrine on the second level. Hathor is depicted with a woman's face and a cow's ears, holding a musical instrument. It's a stunning example of ancient Egyptian art that highlights the importance of music and dance in their culture.
Finally, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is not just a testament to ancient Egyptian architecture but also a testament to current restoration efforts. The temple has undergone extensive restoration and consolidation works since 1961 to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at this magnificent structure.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a wonder of the ancient world that truly deserves its title. Its unique architectural features, including the massive terraces, carefully designed axes, and striking reliefs, set it apart from other ancient structures. If you can visit, take your time and appreciate the incredible skill and artistry that went into creating this masterpiece. [3][4]
Firstly, the three massive terraces that rise above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari are simply awe-inspiring. The temple looks like it's been carved directly out of the rock face, blending naturally into its surroundings. It's hard to imagine how much manpower and skill it took to construct such a massive structure.
Walking through the temple, you'll notice how its axes have been carefully designed to serve two purposes. The main axis runs east to west and serves to receive the barque of Amun-Re during festival times. The north-south axis, on the other hand, represented the life cycle of the pharaoh from coronation to rebirth. Its clever design allows visitors to experience different facets of the temple and its history.
Inside the temple, one of the most striking features is the sanctuary of the barque of Amun-Re. Interestingly, this occupies the main axis normally reserved for the mortuary complex and displaced the cult southwards. The solar cult complex, meanwhile, is located to the north. It's a unique arrangement sets the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut apart from other ancient structures.
The middle terrace of the temple houses some of the most notable reliefs. The depictions of the expedition to Punt and the divine birth of Hatshepsut, in particular, are the backbone of her case for occupying the throne. The reliefs are exquisitely detailed and provide visitors with a fascinating insight into life during the Eighteenth Dynasty.
Another unique feature of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is the Hathor shrine on the second level. Hathor is depicted with a woman's face and a cow's ears, holding a musical instrument. It's a stunning example of ancient Egyptian art that highlights the importance of music and dance in their culture.
Finally, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is not just a testament to ancient Egyptian architecture but also a testament to current restoration efforts. The temple has undergone extensive restoration and consolidation works since 1961 to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at this magnificent structure.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a wonder of the ancient world that truly deserves its title. Its unique architectural features, including the massive terraces, carefully designed axes, and striking reliefs, set it apart from other ancient structures. If you can visit, take your time and appreciate the incredible skill and artistry that went into creating this masterpiece. [3][4]
Multiple functions of the temple, including mortuary and solar cult complexes
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a masterpiece of ancient architecture built during the 18th dynasty for Pharaoh Hatshepsut. The temple serves two main functions, with its axes representing the life cycle of the pharaoh from coronation to rebirth. Its main east-west axis served to receive the barque of Amun-Re, while its north-south axis represented the mortuary cult. The design of its chambers and sanctuaries is wholly unique, with the main axis occupied by the sanctuary of Amun-Re barque and the mortuary cult displaced south to form the auxiliary axis with the solar cult complex to the north.
Located in Deir el-Bahari on the opposite side of the city of Thebes, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut rises above the desert floor and into the cliffs of the surrounding area. It consists of three massive terraces, with the lowest leading to the causeway and out to the accompanying valley temple located 1 km east of the temple complex. The shrines of Hathor and Anubis are located on the middle terrace, while the impressive reliefs of the temple are located on the front terrace. These reliefs include the expedition to Punt and the divine birth of Hatshepsut, supporting her case to occupy the throne rightfully as a member of the royal family and divine progeny.
Due to its significance, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut suffered over time. Two decades after Hatshepsut's death, under the direction of Thutmose III, her rule was erased, usurped, or obliterated in an intense but brief campaign. A personal grudge appears unlikely as Thutmose III had waited twenty years to act. The reasons behind the prescription remain a mystery. Still, perhaps the concept of a female king was anathema to ancient Egyptian society, or a dynastic dispute between the Ahmosid and Thutmosid lineages needed resolving. During the Ptolemaic period, the temple suffered further harm from an earthquake, and images of Egyptian gods, particularly those of Amun, were ordered to be erased by Akhenaten.
The temple was repaired subsequently under Ramses II and Ramesses III and had a monastery of Coptic monks built between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. Christ's images were painted over original reliefs. The latest graffito left is dated to around c. 1223. The temple resurfaced in the records of the modern era in 1737 with several visitations conducted. The serious excavation was not carried out until the 1850s and 60s under Auguste Mariette. At the same time, the temple was fully excavated between 1893 and 1906 during an expedition of the Egypt Exploration Fund (EEF) conducted by Edouard Naville. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) carried out further efforts from 1911 to 1936, while the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) carried out excavations from 1925 to 1952. Since 1961, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology (PCMA) has carried out extensive consolidation and restoration works throughout the temple, and it was opened to the public in March 2023.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut has multiple functions, including mortuary and solar cult complexes, and it is considered a remarkable ancient architecture masterwork. Despite the temple's significance, it has suffered throughout the years, with campaigns erasing references to Hatshepsut's rule, earthquakes causing significant damage, and even other religious figures influencing parts of the temple. However, the temple has undergone extensive restoration efforts and has been opened to the public, allowing us to appreciate this wonder of the ancient world. [5][6]
Located in Deir el-Bahari on the opposite side of the city of Thebes, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut rises above the desert floor and into the cliffs of the surrounding area. It consists of three massive terraces, with the lowest leading to the causeway and out to the accompanying valley temple located 1 km east of the temple complex. The shrines of Hathor and Anubis are located on the middle terrace, while the impressive reliefs of the temple are located on the front terrace. These reliefs include the expedition to Punt and the divine birth of Hatshepsut, supporting her case to occupy the throne rightfully as a member of the royal family and divine progeny.
Due to its significance, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut suffered over time. Two decades after Hatshepsut's death, under the direction of Thutmose III, her rule was erased, usurped, or obliterated in an intense but brief campaign. A personal grudge appears unlikely as Thutmose III had waited twenty years to act. The reasons behind the prescription remain a mystery. Still, perhaps the concept of a female king was anathema to ancient Egyptian society, or a dynastic dispute between the Ahmosid and Thutmosid lineages needed resolving. During the Ptolemaic period, the temple suffered further harm from an earthquake, and images of Egyptian gods, particularly those of Amun, were ordered to be erased by Akhenaten.
The temple was repaired subsequently under Ramses II and Ramesses III and had a monastery of Coptic monks built between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. Christ's images were painted over original reliefs. The latest graffito left is dated to around c. 1223. The temple resurfaced in the records of the modern era in 1737 with several visitations conducted. The serious excavation was not carried out until the 1850s and 60s under Auguste Mariette. At the same time, the temple was fully excavated between 1893 and 1906 during an expedition of the Egypt Exploration Fund (EEF) conducted by Edouard Naville. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) carried out further efforts from 1911 to 1936, while the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) carried out excavations from 1925 to 1952. Since 1961, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology (PCMA) has carried out extensive consolidation and restoration works throughout the temple, and it was opened to the public in March 2023.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut has multiple functions, including mortuary and solar cult complexes, and it is considered a remarkable ancient architecture masterwork. Despite the temple's significance, it has suffered throughout the years, with campaigns erasing references to Hatshepsut's rule, earthquakes causing significant damage, and even other religious figures influencing parts of the temple. However, the temple has undergone extensive restoration efforts and has been opened to the public, allowing us to appreciate this wonder of the ancient world. [5][6]
Damage and repairs to the temple over time
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut holds a rich history dating back to the eighteenth dynasty of Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Over time, the temple has been subjected to various forms of damage but has also undergone repairs to restore its grandeur. First, two decades after Hatshepsut's death, Queen Tiy's son, Thutmose III, erased most references to her rule from the temple. This took two years and may have been due to an ancient Egyptian society's dislike of female kings or to settle a dynastic dispute between Ahmosid and Thutmosid lineages. In contrast, Thutmose IV restored damages made earlier and ordered Amun's images to be erased in the temple.
The temple suffered further harm during an earthquake in the area. In the Ptolemaic times, the sanctuary of Amun was restructured, and a new portico was added at its entrance. Later, a monastery of Coptic monks from the fourth to the eighth century AD was built within the temple. While there, the monks painted images of Christ over original reliefs. Nonetheless, a graffito left in the area dates back to c. 1223. In the modern era, the temple resurfaced in records, with a British traveller visiting the site in 1737. Several visitations followed although significant excavations did not occur until the mid-nineteenth century.
The temple was fully excavated and restored between 1893 and 1906 by an expedition of the Egypt Exploration Fund (EEF) directed by Edouard Naville. Further restoration efforts of the temple were carried out by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) and the Egyptian government's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) between 1911 to 1936 and from 1925 to 1952, respectively. Since 1961, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology (PCMA) has conducted extensive consolidation and restoration works throughout the temple.
Despite the temple's various phases of damage, the most significant attempts to restore the temple were made in the modern era. As a result, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut has retained most of its ancient architecture, making it a masterpiece and wonder of the ancient world. The huge terraces and massive structures still stand above the desert floor, and the sanctuaries of the barque of Amun-Re and Anubis shrine attract the attention of tourists worldwide. Above the lowest terrace that leads to the causeway and out to the valley temple, visitors will find shrines to Hathor and Anubis. Indeed, the temple is wholly unique in its arrangement of chambers and sanctuaries. The temple showcases reliefs of Hatshepsut's divine birth and her expedition to Punt in front of the terraces, both notable reliefs. Finally, by opening the temple to the public in March 2023, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology paved the way for modern visitors to glimpse the grandeur of Egypt's past. [7][8]
The temple suffered further harm during an earthquake in the area. In the Ptolemaic times, the sanctuary of Amun was restructured, and a new portico was added at its entrance. Later, a monastery of Coptic monks from the fourth to the eighth century AD was built within the temple. While there, the monks painted images of Christ over original reliefs. Nonetheless, a graffito left in the area dates back to c. 1223. In the modern era, the temple resurfaced in records, with a British traveller visiting the site in 1737. Several visitations followed although significant excavations did not occur until the mid-nineteenth century.
The temple was fully excavated and restored between 1893 and 1906 by an expedition of the Egypt Exploration Fund (EEF) directed by Edouard Naville. Further restoration efforts of the temple were carried out by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) and the Egyptian government's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) between 1911 to 1936 and from 1925 to 1952, respectively. Since 1961, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology (PCMA) has conducted extensive consolidation and restoration works throughout the temple.
Despite the temple's various phases of damage, the most significant attempts to restore the temple were made in the modern era. As a result, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut has retained most of its ancient architecture, making it a masterpiece and wonder of the ancient world. The huge terraces and massive structures still stand above the desert floor, and the sanctuaries of the barque of Amun-Re and Anubis shrine attract the attention of tourists worldwide. Above the lowest terrace that leads to the causeway and out to the valley temple, visitors will find shrines to Hathor and Anubis. Indeed, the temple is wholly unique in its arrangement of chambers and sanctuaries. The temple showcases reliefs of Hatshepsut's divine birth and her expedition to Punt in front of the terraces, both notable reliefs. Finally, by opening the temple to the public in March 2023, the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology paved the way for modern visitors to glimpse the grandeur of Egypt's past. [7][8]
Significance of the temple's reliefs, including the expedition to Punt and Hatshepsut's divine birth
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Djeser-Djeseru, is opposite the city of Luxor in Egypt. This temple was built during the 18th Dynasty in the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut and is considered a masterpiece of ancient architecture. It is constructed on three massive terraces that rise above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri. The temple complex represents the life cycle of the pharaoh, from coronation to rebirth. The temple's reliefs have significant historical and cultural significance, particularly those depicting the expedition to Punt and Hatshepsut's divine birth.
The reliefs on the temple's walls provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of Pharaoh Hatshepsut's reign. One of the most notable reliefs is the depiction of the expedition to Punt, a trading expedition to the fabled land of Punt in modern-day Somalia. This expedition was led by Hatshepsut's trusted royal steward, Senenmut. It was a great success as it acquired exotic and valuable goods like myrrh trees, frankincense, and ebony.
Another important relief is the depiction of Hatshepsut's divine birth. The reliefs explain how Hatshepsut's mother was impregnated by the god Amun, who is depicted as a serpent. Hatshepsut's birth was considered a miracle, and these reliefs helped legitimize her rule as pharaoh. The reliefs at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut also served as a way to demonstrate the pharaoh's power and wealth, as she was depicted alongside the gods and goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon.
The temple's reliefs were significant in terms of historical and cultural importance, but they also provided beautiful artistic depictions that showcased the artisans' skills. The reliefs on the middle terrace of the temple were particularly impressive, as they depicted not only the expedition to Punt and Hatshepsut's divine birth but also scenes of daily life and agricultural activities. These reliefs showcase the skill of the artisans who worked on the temple, as they could create intricate and detailed carvings on its walls.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a wonder of the ancient world and has significant importance in history, culture, and art. The temple's reliefs depict important events in the life of Hatshepsut, as well as scenes of daily life and agricultural activities. They also showcase the skill of the artisans who worked on the temple and serve as an important cultural relic that provides insight into the ancient Egyptian civilization. A visit to this temple is a must for anyone interested in history and culture, as it provides a rare glimpse into the ancient world. [9][10]
The reliefs on the temple's walls provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of Pharaoh Hatshepsut's reign. One of the most notable reliefs is the depiction of the expedition to Punt, a trading expedition to the fabled land of Punt in modern-day Somalia. This expedition was led by Hatshepsut's trusted royal steward, Senenmut. It was a great success as it acquired exotic and valuable goods like myrrh trees, frankincense, and ebony.
Another important relief is the depiction of Hatshepsut's divine birth. The reliefs explain how Hatshepsut's mother was impregnated by the god Amun, who is depicted as a serpent. Hatshepsut's birth was considered a miracle, and these reliefs helped legitimize her rule as pharaoh. The reliefs at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut also served as a way to demonstrate the pharaoh's power and wealth, as she was depicted alongside the gods and goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon.
The temple's reliefs were significant in terms of historical and cultural importance, but they also provided beautiful artistic depictions that showcased the artisans' skills. The reliefs on the middle terrace of the temple were particularly impressive, as they depicted not only the expedition to Punt and Hatshepsut's divine birth but also scenes of daily life and agricultural activities. These reliefs showcase the skill of the artisans who worked on the temple, as they could create intricate and detailed carvings on its walls.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a wonder of the ancient world and has significant importance in history, culture, and art. The temple's reliefs depict important events in the life of Hatshepsut, as well as scenes of daily life and agricultural activities. They also showcase the skill of the artisans who worked on the temple and serve as an important cultural relic that provides insight into the ancient Egyptian civilization. A visit to this temple is a must for anyone interested in history and culture, as it provides a rare glimpse into the ancient world. [9][10]