Mortuary Temple of Hapshepsut
Factual Information:
From: Deir el-Bahri, Egypt
Period: 18th Dynasty, ca. 1473-1458 BCE
Period: 18th Dynasty, ca. 1473-1458 BCE
General Information:
The Mortuary Temple of Hapshepsut is a large temple located underneath the cliffs at Dier el Bahari on the west bank of the nile near the Valley of Kings in Egypt. This temple specifically was dedicated ot the sun god Amon-Ra. Hatshepsut was a pharaoh at the time, and her chancellor, royal architect Senemut oversee the construction. This monument got its inspiration from earlier mortuary temples close by. There is a relief sculpture inside the temple that recites the tale of the divine birth of the first female pharaoh. The building is considered the closest Egypt came to Classical architecture.
Why This Artwork?
This artwork has been chosen because of its massive size and importance to the history of Egypt. This was also considered on the incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt. Also because of the story behind it, it gives us a glimpse into how the Egyptian religion believed to have gotten its first female pharaoh, making it an important piece of architecture.