| Summary: | The reign of Hatshepsut during Egypt's New Kingdom has sparked debate throughout time. Female kingship was not unprecedented in Egypt's history. But her ascension to the throne while Regent to the young heir, Thutmose III, has been described as controversial. To legitimize her claim to the throne, she emphasized her Divine Conception and Birth, claiming the god Amun to be her father. Military campaigns and an expedition to the land of Punt were dedicated to Amun. To enhance her relationship with the Amun-Re cult, she embarked on a multitude of public works. Her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri and the additions she made at Karnak are prime examples. Under Hatshepsut's reign, the Amun priesthood gained considerable power and was richly rewarded for their support. Her relationship with Thutmose III has provoked much debate by historians. Some described her as 'a merciless, evil usurper', while others have a more positive view. Some believe that, under her guidance Thutmose III became one of the greatest 'warrior pharaohs' of the New Kingdom.
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