fl. early Dynasty 18 (reign of Hatshepsut, 1478–1458 B.C.E.)

Government Official
Architect

From Commoner to the Royal Household.

Senenmut was probably born in Armant, a town north of modern Luxor. His parents, Ramose and Hatnofer, were commoners, so it is unclear how Senenmut joined the upper administration. He may first have achieved recognition as a scribe since he became tutor to the royal princess Neferura during the reign of Thutmose II (1481–1479 B.C.E.). By the end of this reign he served as steward of estates both for the princess and her mother, Queen Hatshepsut. His connection with Hatshepsut clearly led to his prominence. When Hatshepsut began to perform the functions normally performed by a male king on the death of her husband (1478–1458 B.C.E.), Senenmut first served as leader of a quarrying expedition to bring obelisks back to the temple...