Female Pharaoh. Hatshepsut's reign (circa 1478/1472-1458 B.C.E.) was once viewed as a period of feuds and hostility within the royal family. Scholars now understand that it was a time of political and social consolidation building on the accomplishments of Thutmose I. Hatshepsut was an unconventional female king rather than a traditional regent. Her accomplishments, however, would have been the envy of any Egyptian monarch, for she saved her family's claim to the throne during the New Kingdom (circa 1539-1075 B.C.E.).

Family. Hatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmose I and wife of Thutmose II. Her one daughter Neferure probably became God's Wife of Amun, as was the custom in this period. There is no reason to believe, as some have argued, that Hatshepsut's plans for Neferure were any different than what was normal for a royal daughter. Had Hatshepsut's husband not died...