the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut The funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, known as Deir el Bahari, name meaning "monastery of the north" and designed by its architect in the royal court, Senenmut, is "the wonder of wonders" of ancient Egypt: it stands on the west bank of the Nile and is partially excavated in the mountain behind which lies the Valley of the Kings.
It was built by the Egyptian queen of the XVIIIth dynasty Hatshepsut on the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, on the left (west) bank of the Nile River) in the city of Thebes, near the temple of the pharaoh Mentuhotep II and with a similar structure, because both are semi-spired temples, that is, they are partially built in the open air and partially excavated in the rock, as well as arranged in terraces. It was separated from the tomb of the queen in the Theban necropolis only by a passage of a few hundred meters. The construction of the temple was prolonged during the 7th and 22nd years of Hatshepsut's reign (work began in 1483 B.C.E.).
Temple of Hatshepsut. The funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, known as Deir el Bahari, name meaning "monastery of the north" and designed by its architect in the royal court, Senenmut, is "the wonder of wonders" of ancient Egypt: it stands on the west bank of the Nile and is partially excavated in the mountain behind which lies the Valley of the Kings.
It was built by the Egyptian queen of the XVIIIth dynasty Hatshepsut on the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, on the left (west) bank of the Nile River) in the city of Thebes, near the temple of the pharaoh Mentuhotep II and with a similar structure, because both are semi-spired temples, that is, they are partially built in the open air and partially excavated in the rock, as well as arranged in terraces. It was separated from the tomb of the queen in the Theban necropolis only by a passage of a few hundred meters. The construction of the temple was prolonged during the 7th and 22nd years of Hatshepsut's reign (work began in 1483 B.C.E.).
Unlike other funerary temples, the temple of Deir el-Bahari was not surrounded by walls, allowing the people to view it from the outside. Built with blocks of white local limestone, the complex is composed of a low temple, a causeway, and organized on three levels by superimposed terraces supported by porticoes, with pillars and columns, and three courtyards. With columns that blend into the mountainside behind the temple. The work is due to the architect Senenmut who achieved a perfect harmony of proportions.
The temple is partly excavated in the rock and partly built externally, based on the previous constructions made by Mentuhotep I. On the north wall of the temple is recreated the story of the divine birth of the queen, according to which she was begotten by the god Amun himself, to justify his access to the throne to the detriment of the true heir: Thutmose III, son of the husband and brother of Hatshepsut.
The third and last terrace contained 22 columns preceded by Osirian pillars that were destroyed by Thutmose III when he assumed full powers, after the death of Hatshepsut. On this level, on the south side, to the left of the terrace, is the chapel of Thutmose I and the offering chamber of the queen, excavated in the rock. On the opposite side, to the north, are the rooms dedicated to Ra-Horajti, with a vestibule with a raised niche and an inner courtyard with solar ara, and those of Amon and Ammonite.
Near the Temple of Hatshepsut, there are many other sites to see. If you are interested in Ancient Egyptian culture and history, you probably already have an idea of the places you want to visit, but these are the most popular sites near the temple.
The Valley of the Kings: home to more than 60 tombs, the valley was the final resting place for many kings during the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties.
The Temple of Karnak: one of the largest temple complexes with much to see. It is recommended that you visit with a guide to get the most out of your trip.
Ramesseum: also known as the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II, it was built on the site of the ruined temple of Seti I. It also inspired a verse by Percy Bysshe Shelly, linked to his nickname of the tomb of Ozymandia.
Howard Carter's house: home of the archaeologist who discovered the tomb of King Tut himself. The house still has his darkroom, as well as many of his possessions for visitors to view.
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