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Mortuary Temple of HatshepsutMortuary temple of Hatshepsut © Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Luxor, Egypt. New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty. c. 1473–1458 B.C.E. Sandstone, partially carved into a rock cliff, and red granite.

Curator Note

"Designed by her lover/architect Senenmut, this temple is a masterpiece of harmony with nature. Tragically, her stepson Thutmose III attempted to erase her legacy by smashing her statues after her death."

Form

  • Terraced architecture with three levels connected by long ramps.
  • Axial plan aligned with the temple of Amun-Re at Karnak across the river.
  • Colonnades with simple, chamfered square pillars (Proto-Doric look) creating rhythmic light/dark patterns.
  • Partially cut into the living rock of the cliff, partially constructed masonry.
  • Harmonious integration with the rugged limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahri.

Function

  • Mortuary temple meant to worship the spirit (Ka) of Hatshepsut and honor her divine father Amun-Re.
  • Not her tomb; she was buried in the Valley of the Kings behind the cliff.
  • Propaganda: To validate her rule as a female Pharaoh and claim divine lineage.
  • Ceremonial destination for the statue of Amun during the Beautiful Feast of the Valley.
  • Sanctuary for the gods Anubis and Hathor.

Content

  • Paintings and reliefs depicting Hatshepsut's divine birth and her famous trade expedition to Punt.
  • Kneeling statues of Hatshepsut offering jars of ma'at (order) to the gods.
  • Representations of frankincense trees and exotic animals brought from Punt.
  • Originally featured lush gardens with pools and trees on the terraces.
  • Images of Hatshepsut as a male king (beard, kilt) mixed with female titles.

Context

  • Hatshepsut was the first great female monarch in recorded history (18th Dynasty).
  • She ruled first as regent for her stepson Thutmose III, then declared herself Pharaoh.
  • Designed by her Royal Architect (and likely lover) Senenmut.
  • Thutmose III later attempted "damnatio memoriae," smashing her statues to erase her from history.
  • The temple alignment allows the winter solstice sunrise to illuminate the sanctuary.