Final answer:
Hatshepsut's reign was distinctive as she proclaimed herself as the pharaoh, took on the symbolic representations of a male ruler, and established her divine origins, which differed from previous Egyptian queens. She led Egypt through a prosperous era with significant cultural contributions, but her legacy was nearly erased by her stepson Thutmose III after her death.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hatshepsut's reign as an Egyptian pharaoh was notably different from earlier queens who had ruled Egypt. Unlike her predecessors, Hatshepsut initially became regent for a young Thutmose III but over time, asserted herself as the pharaoh, a position historically held by male rulers. She donned the pharaonic headdress and ceremonial beard, successfully ruling for around 20 years. During her time, Egypt saw prosperity, expansion of trade, and significant architectural advancement.
Moreover, Hatshepsut claimed divinity and backed it with a mythology of her divine birth as recounted in a poem she had inscribed at her mortuary temple – something that was not typical of earlier female rulers. This divine claim separated her from other queens and rulers before her and emphasized her independent rule without the need to be in relation to a male counterpart.
After her death, in an attempt to erase her legacy, her stepson Thutmose III defaced monuments and inscriptions relating to her reign. This act may have stemmed from a range of motivations, including possible misogyny or dynastic politics. Regardless, Hatshepsut's contributions and her unique approach to rulership as a female pharaoh have cemented her legacy as one of the most influential figures in ancient Egypt, known for her substantial building projects, like the temple at Deir el-Bahri, and her portrayal in a masculine form as a symbol of her pharaonic power.