Description of the attraction
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is an ancient landmark located in the desert near Thebes, more specifically in Deir el-Bahri. The temple was found during excavations in the 19th century, along with the discovery of several more memorial temples.
In ancient times, the temple was called Jeser Jeseru, which means "most sacred". It was built over nine years from 1482 to 1473. BC NS. in the seventh year of the reign of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. The architecture of the temple was handled by Senmut, who was known as an outstanding architect and statesman.
The temple has an external resemblance to the palace-tomb of Mentuhotep and is even considered its continuation, despite the fact that it is larger in size. The structure is partially cut into the mountain and is approximately forty meters wide. Its main component is three large terraces, decorated with rows of white limestone columns, visually similar to honeycombs. In the center of each terrace there is a ramp leading upstairs. Inside the temple there are a large number of rooms that were sanctuaries and burial rooms. The main decoration of the temple are numerous statues and sphinxes with the face of the queen, as well as ancient paintings depicting various events during the reign of the queen. The lower terrace adjoins a long alley about forty meters wide, planted with myrrh trees and exhibited sand sphinxes. There are three steps leading to the temple in the form of large terraces. Previously, whole gardens were laid out on these terraces, trees were planted, ponds were equipped.
Queen Hatshepsut became the sovereign ruler of Egypt after the death of her husband Thutmose II and from the first year of her reign began the construction of grandiose structures, including a tomb for herself. As a result, the rocky temple became the largest and richest structure of that time. The place for the construction of the temple was not chosen by chance. Due to the proximity to the Mentuhotep temple, which became the founder of the XVIII dynasty of the pharaohs, Hatshepsut wanted to emphasize her right to the throne.
