Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor, Egypt – History, Architecture & Guide

Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor, Egypt

The Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple, is one of the most remarkable monuments on Luxor’s West Bank. Built during the 18th Dynasty, it was dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut. The temple is famous for its three monumental terraces, elegant colonnades, reliefs, and dramatic setting beneath the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri.

Located near the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple is one of the highlights of any visit to Luxor. Its unique architecture blends naturally with the surrounding limestone cliffs, creating one of the most spectacular archaeological landscapes in Egypt.

In this guide, you will discover the history of Hatshepsut Temple and its architecture. You will also learn about its important reliefs and what makes this ancient monument so special.

The History of Hatshepsut

Queen Hatshepsut was one of the most remarkable rulers of ancient Egypt. She was also one of the few women to assume the full role of pharaoh. Her reign was marked by major building projects and successful trade expeditions. Her distinctive artistic style can still be seen throughout her monuments.

She initially ruled as regent for her step-son Thuthmosis III. However, she promoted herself to the role of pharaoh instead of passing power to him when he came of age.

Her temple is one of the most striking monuments in Ancient Egypt even in its semi-ruined state.

Senenmut designed it as a “garden for her father” (Amun). Workers planted exotic trees and shrubs from Punt, possibly Somalia, in the lower courtyard.

However, after her death Thuthmosis III and Akhenaten both intentionally damaged the monument.

Thutmosis III directed his attacks at Hatshepsut herself. He either replaced her images with his own or removed references to her. Akhenaten later damaged the temple because of its frequent references to the god Amun

The King Lists of Ramesses II and Seti I omitted her. However, Ramesses II and Merenptah both added to her temple.

During the Ptolemaic Period, workers repaired parts of the temple. They apparently believed it was dedicated to Imhotep and Amenhotep, son of Hap.

Some time later, Christians built a monastery over the ruins, which covered much of the original temple.

The Architecture of Hatshepsut’s Temple

The architecture of Hatshepsut Temple is one of the most distinctive examples of ancient Egyptian temple design. The temple was built on three monumental levels against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri. It combines broad terraces, colonnaded halls, ramps, and beautifully decorated walls with the natural landscape of the Theban mountains..

Unfortunately, no trace remains of the pylons. The two obelisks that once stood in front of them are also no longer in place.. Architects built the temple on three levels, with two wide ramps in the center connecting the levels.

First Level

The first courtyard contained a garden where gardeners planted exotic trees and shrubs from Hatshepsut’s trading expedition to Punt.

There is now no evidence of this garden, but it must have been beautiful.

Behind the courtyard there was a colonnade with square pillars behind which there were many reliefs. Most of the depictions have disappeared, and the surviving ones do not feature Hatshepsut herself.

The remaining decorations include Tuthmosis III dancing before the god Min, scenes depicting the marshes of Lower Egypt and the quarrying and transportation of two large obelisks down the Nile (these obelisks found a home in the temple of Karnak).

Second Level

A wide ramp runs from the centre of the first courtyard to the second level.

Two statues of crouching lions flank the entrance to the ramp.

Behind the wide terrace there is a colonnade with two rows of square columns on each side of the ramp leading to the third level.

Birth Colonnade

The birth colonnade is on the right hand side of the ramp to the third level.

What Makes Hatshepsut Temple Unique?

Hatshepsut Temple is unique because its architecture was designed to work in harmony with the natural cliffs of Deir el-Bahri. The three terraces rise gradually toward the mountain, creating a dramatic approach to the sanctuary. The temple’s reliefs also provide valuable insights into Hatshepsut’s reign, including her famous expedition to the Land of Punt and the divine birth of the queen.

Temple Decorations and Reliefs

The decorations (which are repeated on the walls of the temple at Karnak) depict Hatshepsut’s divine birth.

Thuthmosis III damaged many of the images of Hatshepsut, while Akhenaten also targeted images of Amun-Ra in his attempt to erase Amun and promote the Aten.

In the depictions, Amun-Ra appears with the unborn Hatshepsut and then with her mother (Queen Ahmose) in the form of Hatshepsut’s father (Thuthmosis I).

Amun impregnates the queen with his divine breath then reveals his true nature and fortells that Hatshepsut will rule Egypt.

Amun-Ra then visits Khnum to instruct him to create Hatshepsut´s body.

Heqet and Khnum lead the heavily pregnant Queen Ahmose to the birthing chamber, where Meskhenet assists her.

In the final scenes, twin Hathors suckle the newborn Hatshepsut and her Ka, while Seshat records her birth.