Archaeologists Stumble on a Famous Mortuary Temple Built by a Woman Who Ruled Egypt as a Pharaoh
Recent excavations at Queen Hatshepsut's mortuary temple provided researchers with multiple findings. The mortuary temple was located in Luxor, Egypt within an area around Deir al-Bahari, stated Live Science. It was built by Hatpeshut, who on record was the first female pharaoh to rule Egypt. The temple was destroyed after Hatshesput's death and was later restored by Thutmose III.
Archaeologists first spotted the 'foundational deposit' of the mortuary temple. 'Foundational deposit' was a collection of objects that ancient workers used to put in place before constructing a building. Some artifacts found at the place include adze (a tool used to shape wood), a wooden hammer, two chisels, a wooden cast model (an appliance used to make mud bricks), two stones with Hatshepsut's cartouches and ovals featuring hieroglyphs possibly displaying a ruler's name.
Experts state that the mortuary temple was called Djeser Djeseru in the past. Researchers claimed that certain items spotted around the foundational deposit had an inscription that translated to "the good god Neb Maat Re, in the temple Djeser Djeseru, beloved by Amun." In the inscription, Amun refers to the chief god of Thebes, which is now Luxor, according to experts. The team also stated that "Neb Maat Re" combines the title and name of the sun god Re.
Archaeologists also unearthed 1,500 colorful stone blocks from the site, which researchers believe were part of Hatshepsut's valley temple, located near the mortuary temple. Experts made the connection due to the sceneries noted on the valley temple's walls, also seen on the blocks.
The mortuary temple was built to honor the deities and chronicle Queen Hatshepsut's reign, according to Daily Art Magazine. The temple's construction started in 1479 B.C.E. and took 15 years to complete. The architect of the temple was Senenmut, a close advisor and friend of Queen Hatshepsut. It blends seamlessly into the surrounding limestone cliffs and deserts of Upper Egypt. The temple forms an entryway to the Valley of the Kings. Examinations of the temple's façade unveiled that the design had a lot of Greek elements. The present remnants of the temple are being maintained by the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw.
Hatshepsut reigned from 1473 to 1458 B.C and had Thutmose III, her stepson, as a co-ruler, according to Live Science. After her death, Thutmose III took over the throne as her successor. Researchers have noted that many statues, inscriptions, and monuments linked to Hatshepsut were destroyed after her death. Archaeologists have found evidence on the site which indicates that the mortuary temple was also destroyed, but Thutmose III restored it.
Researchers have unearthed many historical artifacts in Luxor. One such find is a cemetery dating back to the 17th dynasty (circa 1635 to 1550 B.C.) when the region was attacked by Hyksos. Inside the cemetery, there were several coffins containing the remains of many ancient Egyptians. Excavations also revealed items like bows and arrowheads that could have been used for fighting by civilians and soldiers of that time against the foreign enemy.