Answer: Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most famous female pharaohs, ruled during the 18th dynasty (circa 1479-1458 BCE). Her rise to power and ability to gain acceptance and support from the Egyptian people was a complex process involving various strategies and actions:
Claiming Divine Birth: Hatshepsut asserted her legitimacy by claiming to be the daughter of the god Amun-Ra. She depicted herself as the divine offspring of Amun and her father, Pharaoh Thutmose I, in her official art and inscriptions. This divine lineage helped legitimize her rule and reinforce her authority.
Co-Regency with Thutmose III: When her husband and half-brother, Thutmose II, died, her stepson and rightful heir, Thutmose III, was too young to rule. To maintain stability and ensure a smooth transition, Hatshepsut established a co-regency with Thutmose III. During this period, she effectively acted as the senior pharaoh.
Promoting Her Image: Hatshepsut commissioned numerous monuments and inscriptions across Egypt, including the famous mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. These grand architectural projects not only served as a testament to her rule but also provided jobs and resources to her subjects, gaining their favor.
Economic Prosperity: Hatshepsut's reign saw economic prosperity, thanks in part to her trade expeditions to the Land of Punt (modern-day Somalia). The valuable goods brought back from these expeditions, including incense and exotic animals, contributed to the wealth of Egypt and enhanced her reputation as a successful ruler.
Reinforcing Traditional Roles: While Hatshepsut was breaking gender norms by becoming pharaoh, she often portrayed herself in traditional male attire in official art. This allowed her to fulfill the expected role of a pharaoh while downplaying her gender.
Propaganda and Inscriptions: Hatshepsut's inscriptions emphasized her accomplishments and her dedication to the gods and the welfare of Egypt. These inscriptions served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing her image as a capable and pious ruler.
Reputation as a Just and Stable Leader: Hatshepsut's long and relatively peaceful reign contributed to her reputation as a just and stable leader. This stability likely endeared her to the Egyptian people, who had experienced periods of turmoil and uncertainty in the past.
Posthumous Legacy: Although her successor, Thutmose III, sought to erase her legacy by removing her name from monuments and inscriptions, many of her architectural achievements survived. Over time, historians and archaeologists have rediscovered and appreciated her accomplishments, helping to secure her place in history.
In conclusion, Hatshepsut's successful reign and acceptance by the Egyptian people can be attributed to a combination of political acumen, economic prosperity, propaganda, and strategic use of traditional symbols and roles. Her reign marked a significant chapter in ancient Egyptian history and demonstrated her ability to navigate the challenges of ruling as a female pharaoh.