Describe The Relationship Between Maat And Hatshepsut

In ancient Egypt, Maat was not only the name of a revered goddess but also an ethical tenet. It encompassed the concepts of truth, balance, order, law, morality and justice. Every Egyptian citizen was expected to follow this principle throughout his or her daily life. They were to act with honor and honesty in matters that involved family, the community, the nation, the environment and god. Maat, as a principle, was established to meet the complex needs of an Egyptian state that embraced diverse people with conflicting interests. It was designed to help maintain order and became a cornerstone of Egyptian law. Ancient people believed that if Maat was not upheld, chaos would descend upon them in the form of crop failure, famine, drought, disease, etc. Pharaohs were also expected to champion Maat and Hatshepsut was no exception.

She knew that in order to keep control of the crown, she had to have loyal followers and a strong relationship with her co-regent Thutmose III. To do this, many of her staff members were chosen from the lower middle classes instead of the upper class like they usually are in these situations. Making herself the cause of their wealth and happiness forged a strong allegiance between Hatshepsut and her subordinates. She often showered them with lavish gifts from faraway places like the previously mentioned Punt. When Thutmose III was seven or eight, Hatshepsut made the unusual move of crowning herself king. She shared that role with Thutmose III for the remainder of her life. Only two other women had previously served as pharaoh, and both for much briefer periods that Hatshepsut’s reign, which lasted some twenty-one years. Archaeological record has produced no evidence of strife between the co-regents and in fact, stone reliefs often portray them as twins, ruling in unison. She must have been incredibly diplomatic and an asset to the Crown to be kept on as co-king once Thutmose III came of