History Extra podcast Hatshepsut: life of the week
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Jan 6, 2026 Dr. Campbell Price, an expert Egyptologist and curator at Manchester Museum, delves into the intriguing life of Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable pharaohs. He discusses her rise from royal princess to pharaoh, the complex dynamics between her and Thutmose III, and her masterful public relations strategies. Price highlights her significant building projects, including Deir el-Bahri, and her innovative expeditions to Punt. The conversation also touches on her legacy and the attempts to erase her name from history.
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From Regent To Ruling Pharaoh
- Hatshepsut broke precedent by transforming from regent into a fully declared pharaoh with kingly names and actions.
- Campbell Price argues she formalized power rather than merely acting as a placeholder for Tutmose III.
She Oversaw Her Husband's Burial
- Excavations of Thutmose II's tomb found dedications from Hatshepsut, suggesting she organised his burial.
- Price uses this to show her early prominence and responsibility within the royal household.
Kingship Is A Symbolic Mask
- Egyptian royal imagery is symbolic, so Hatshepsut appears in male kingly guise to legitimize her rule.
- Price warns modern critics misread this as deception rather than following visual codes of kingship.