Hatshepsut, daughter of Tuthmose I and Aahmes was born in the 15th century BC. She was one of three children born to her parents both of whom were of royal lineage. When her two brothers died, she was positioned to take the throne upon the death of her father. This would be a unique as well as unheard of event, a female pharaoh.
With the passing of Tuthmose I, his son Tuthmose II ascended the throne. He was born to a woman with no royal lineage by the name of Moutnofrit. Being that the women in Egypt carried the royal blood and not the males, it was common for men to marry a sister, half-sister or other near relative. The tradition of having the pharaoh marry a royal woman led Tuthmose II to marry Hatshepsut. Tuthmose II and Hatshepsut had no children together; however she did have one child, a daughter named Nefrure believed to have been sired by her lover Senmut. Although Tuthmose II was pharaoh, many believed Hatshepsut made all decisions concerning the kingdom. Tuthmose II's rule only lasted roughly three to four years as archaeologists believe he died from a disease of the skin by the markings on his mummy. Tuthmose II's son was in line for the throne but Hatshepsut was allowed to reign as regent until her step-son was older. Few queens in the history of Egypt were able to utilize the authority of pharaoh through regency. They ruled jointly until 1473 BC when she proclaimed herself pharaoh.
Hatshepsut, being a favorite daughter of a popular pharaoh, was able to gather enough of a following to actually take control as pharaoh. She became the fifth ruler of the 18th Dynasty. With the full support of the high priest Amun and other officials, and dressed in men's clothing, Hatshepsut tended to the affairs of the kingdom. Her reign as pharaoh lasted roughly twenty to twenty-two years until her mysterious disappearance. .
Hatshepsut carried five royal names, three of which were never granted to any other queen, neither before or afterwards.
