Final answer:
Hatshepsut and Thutmose III played vital roles in expanding the Egyptian Empire through military campaigns and trade. Hatshepsut emphasized monumental building and trade with Nubia, while Thutmose III extended Egypt's military dominance into Syria and Palestine against Hittites and Mesopotamians.
Step-by-step explanation:
Expansion of the Egyptian Empire under Hatshepsut and Thutmose III
Hatshepsut and Thutmose III were influential rulers in expanding the Egyptian Empire. Hatshepsut, who ruled from 1479 to 1458 BCE as the only known female pharaoh of the New Kingdom, played a crucial role in the empire's prosperity and expansion. Under her reign, Egypt saw significant building projects and imported large quantities of luxury goods from sub-Sahara, such as gold and incense, from Nubia. But her stepson, Thutmose III, took over after her death and was responsible for leading military campaigns against threatening powers like the Hittites and Mesopotamians. His military prowess in campaigns expanded Egyptian control into Syria and Palestine and secured trade routes critical to the kingdom's wealth and influence.
Both pharaohs engaged in extensive military expeditions and monumental building projects that showcased the might and dominance of Egypt during their rule. It was through their combined efforts that Egypt experienced flourishing trade and extended its bounds far beyond its traditional borders.