THE MORTUARY TEMPLE

Because pyramids were an easy target for robbers a new approach was needed. So by the time Queen Hatshepsut became pharaoh in 1503 B.C. (New Kingdom) the practice was replaced by the building of splendid mortuary temples. Not only was it unusual for a woman to hold the position of pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut was an effective ruler who had many beautiful buildings constructed. (In the image below you can see the ceremonial pharaoh's beard that she wore.)The most famous is her own magnificent mortuary temple, built into the living rock near the ceremonial center of Thebes at a place called Deir el-Bahri. Designed by the architect Senmut, it incorporated a large courtyard with plants followed by a terrace cut out of the rock on which temple stood. Last came a narrower court and hypostyle hall, lodged into the cliff. The whole was approached by massive ramp.

During Queen Hatshepsut's reign of about 20 years (c. 1479 to 1458 BC ), Egypt flourished. One of the most successful pharaohs, she expanded trade and built magnificent temples.

Mortuary temple for Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri

Please click on this link for the presentation on the architecture and Temples of Ancient Egypt

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