Final answer:
Hatshepsut was a prosperous and influential pharaoh who ruled Egypt from 1479 to 1458 BCE. She initiated military campaigns, presided over grand construction projects, and expanded trade, establishing new standards in Egyptian rulership and architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reign of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, marked a prosperous and dominant period in Egyptian history. She began as a regent for her infant stepson but later declared herself co-regent and soon took on the title of pharaoh, a move that was atypical of the time. Her reign, lasting approximately twenty-one years (1479-1458 BCE), was not merely defined by her unique position as a female ruler but also by her military campaigns into regions like Nubia and possibly southern Palestine, and her grand architectural projects, such as the construction of imposing statues and temples, one of the most famous being her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri.
Distinguished for ambitious building projects, Hatshepsut managed to reinforce Egypt's wealth and power through trade expeditions, notably to Punt, which brought back valuable resources and exotic goods. Additionally, her proclamation of divinity strengthened her authority, characterizing Egyptian pharaohs' tradition of asserting their divine descent. Despite her significant contributions and advancements to Egyptian tradition, her stepson, Thutmose III, attempted to erase her legacy years after taking the throne.
Hatshepsut’s reign challenged traditional gender roles and established new standards for subsequent Egyptian rulers. As such, Hatshepsut is remembered as one of the most successful and influential pharaohs of the New Kingdom, ensuring her place among the most notable figures in ancient history.