21:44 - 26:22
4m 38s
Hatshepsut inherits a role as regent of the Egyptian throne when her husband passes away. This is not enough for the ambitious woman, who declares herself Pharaoh and goes on to become the longest serving woman to lead Egypt. In order to legitimize her rule she crafts a careful image and history.
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Hatshepsut tries to strike a delicate balance as an untraditional ruler. She must keep her court and ministers loyal and productive as well as increase Egyptian power without emboldening the army. She has a monumental temple built and initiates distant trading campaigns.
Explores the contest and rivalry between the Egyptians in Upper Egypt and the occupying Hyksos, who had more advanced technology, in Lower Egypt.
Examines the role of women in Egyptian religion, especially "God's Wife of Amun," the highest priestess in the Egyptian religion and temple estate at Karnak.
Recounts the discovery of artifacts related to Queen Nefertiti, who wielded considerable power alongside her husband, the Pharaoh Akhenaten. She is known also a beautiful queen, even attested in poems of her husband.
Covers the importance of Amun in Egyptian religious beliefs and some of the devotions undertaken for Amun.