Hatshepsut's Relationship with Thutmose III The Power Struggle Behind the Scenes

Hatshepsut's Relationship with Thutmose III The Power Struggle Behind the Scenes - Hatshepsut and Thutmose III were two of Ancient Egypt's most powerful leaders. Hatshepsut ruled as Pharaoh during the 18th dynasty, while Thutmose III ruled during the 18th dynasty as well, but after Hatshepsut's death. Despite their shared dynasty, Hatshepsut and Thutmose III had a complex and often troubled relationship, marked by a power struggle that played out behind the scenes.

Hatshepsut came to the throne in 1478 BC after the death of her husband Thutmose II. She was originally just the chief wife and queen consort, but when Thutmose II died without a male heir, Hatshepsut took advantage of the opportunity to claim the throne for herself. She had her young stepson Thutmose III, who was the son of a secondary wife, declared as co-regent, but in reality, Hatshepsut held all the power and ruled as Pharaoh in her own right for over 20 years.

Thutmose III was still a child when Hatshepsut first came to power, and he was largely relegated to the background as she ruled. However, as he grew older, Thutmose III began to chafe under Hatshepsut's rule and the limitations imposed on him. He became increasingly frustrated with his lack of power and the limitations of being just a co-regent, and he began to plot against Hatshepsut.

Hatshepsut was aware of Thutmose III's growing discontent and she took steps to secure her position and eliminate any potential threats. She appointed loyal advisors and officials to key positions, and she worked to create a powerful network of supporters who would help her maintain her grip on power. She also took steps to secure her legacy by commissioning extensive building projects and monumental works of art, many of which are still visible today.

Despite Hatshepsut's efforts, Thutmose III continued to plot against her. He bided his time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Eventually, the opportunity presented itself when Hatshepsut fell ill and died. Thutmose III seized the moment and declared himself Pharaoh in his own right, without a co-regent. He then set about consolidating his power and securing his rule.

One of the first things Thutmose III did after coming to power was to erase all traces of Hatshepsut's reign. He ordered her images and inscriptions to be erased or defaced, and he had her name removed from monuments and temples. This was an unprecedented move, as it was customary in Ancient Egypt for a deceased Pharaoh to be venerated and remembered, regardless of whether they were popular or not during their lifetime. Thutmose III's actions were a clear attempt to erase Hatshepsut from history and to secure his own legacy as the sole ruler of Egypt.

Despite Thutmose III's efforts, Hatshepsut's legacy endures to this day. Her reign was a time of prosperity and growth for Ancient Egypt, and she was remembered by later generations as one of Egypt's greatest rulers. Thutmose III, on the other hand, is often remembered more for his military conquests and his expansion of the Egyptian empire than for his achievements as a ruler.

In conclusion, Hatshepsut and Thutmose III were two of Ancient Egypt's most powerful rulers, but their relationship was marked by a power struggle that played out behind the scenes. Hatshepsut came to power after the death of her husband and declared Thutmose III, who was just a child, as co-regent. 

As Thutmose III grew older, he became increasingly frustrated with his lack of power and the limitations imposed on him by Hatshepsut. He plotted against her, bided his time, and eventually seized power after her death. Thutmose III then set about consolidating his rule and erasing all traces of Hatshepsut's reign. 

Despite his efforts, Hatshepsut's legacy endures as one of Egypt's greatest rulers, while Thutmose III is remembered more for his military conquests and expansion of the empire. The power struggle between Hatshepsut and Thutmose III was a significant event in Ancient Egyptian history, showcasing the tension and competition that could exist even among members of the same dynasty.