The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is an ancient site that is located in the desert near Thebes, more specifically at Deir El Bahri. The temple was found during excavations in the 19th century along with the discovery of several other memorial temples.
In ancient times, the temple was called Jeser Jeseru, which means "holiest". It was built over a period of nine years from 1482 to 1473 BC in the seventh year of the reign of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. The architecture of the temple was done by Senmut, who was known as an outstanding architect and statesman.
The temple has an external resemblance to the palace-tomb of Mentuhotep and is even considered its continuation, despite the fact that it is larger in size. The structure is partially cut into the mountain and is approximately forty metres wide. Its main component are three large terraces decorated with rows of white limestone columns, visually similar to honeycombs. In the centre of each terrace there is a ramp leading to the top. Inside the temple - a large number of rooms, which were sanctuaries and burial rooms. The main decoration of the temple are numerous statues and sphinxes with the face of the queen, as well as ancient paintings depicting various events during the reign of the queen. The lower terrace adjoins a long avenue about forty metres wide, on which myrrh trees are planted and sand sphinxes are displayed. Three steps in the form of large terraces lead up to the temple. These terraces used to be covered with whole gardens, planted with trees, and equipped with ponds.
Queen Hatshepsut became the full ruler of Egypt after the death of her husband Thutmose II and from the first year of her reign began the construction of grandiose structures, including a tomb for herself. As a result, the rock temple became the largest and richest structure of the time. The place for erection of a temple has been chosen not accidentally. Due to its neighbourhood with the temple of Mentuhotep, who became the founder of the XVIII dynasty of pharaohs, Hatshepsut wanted to emphasise her right to the throne.
