Discover the reign of a woman who assumes supreme power & retains it in a male dominated society. Her name means ‘The First Among the Noblewomen’. She was exceptional as there are very few instances in Egypt’s ancient history (over 3000 years) when women ruled as pharaohs in their own right.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Initially Hatshepsut was merely the ‘Great Royal Wife’ of Tuthmosis II. On his death, she governed as regent for the young heir by a secondary wife. But she then adopted royal titles and was crowned as pharaoh and ruler of the Two Lands. We shall explore the accommodations she made to a male tradition and the adaptations she made to legitimise her rule.
What will we cover?
We shall examine the many striking innovation in politics, religion and the exquisite art of her reign. Her funerary temple in ancient Thebes is one of the loveliest in the entire Nile Valley.
Imperial Egypt had extensive trading, military and cultural links with other great powers in the Near East and the Aegean at this time. She was especially proud of her expedition to the fabled land of Punt to acquire incense. Contemporary paintings show tributaries and ambassadors from the Aegean bearing treasures of the kind found in Knossos and the royal graves of Golden Mycenae.
We reflect on the nuanced relationships between gender and power as negotiated in Bronze Age Egypt about 1500. BC. The role of her principal advisor (and lover??), Senenmut, will be examined. It seems that he fell from favour and his tomb was destroyed before the end of her reign. What is the history here?
We shall review the consequences and sequel to her reign and the restoration of the male dominated status quo. We consider the implications of this exercise of power by a woman. It may have been achieved with the support of a powerful (male) priesthood possibly in exchange for a diminution of royal control. The ‘Aten Revolution’ launched by Akhenaten denying the traditional gods and disempowering the priests may have been a reaction against this?
This is a story whose fascination is matched only by an account of the archaeological discoveries which revealed it.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify the principal historical and political developments during this period
Analyse and understand the literature and art relating to this period
Use appropriate strategies for handling this ancient evidence
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, intellectual curiosity and an open mind are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Illustrated lectures, discussions, questions (and possibly quizzes), reading and analysis of original texts (in translation), museum visit. Above all, looking informed by reading. Additional museum visits and reading outside the course will greatly enhance the experience.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Michael teaches Classical and Ancient history at the City Lit. For many years he lectured in the Certificate/Diploma in History of Art course at London University, Birkbeck. He delivered a course in the ‘Classical Tradition’ at St Mary’s University and on ‘the Classical Artist’ at the Courtauld Institute. He also teaches a Summer School on Ancient Art in Christ Church, Oxford University. Michael acts as a tour guide to archaeological sites and museum collections.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-female-horus-hatshepsut-queen-of-egypt3030913The female Horus: Hatshepsut, Queen of Egypthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpg259259GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations22851177119111921228511771191<p>Discover the reign of a woman who assumes supreme power & retains it in a male dominated society. Her name means ‘The First Among the Noblewomen’. She was exceptional as there are very few instances in Egypt’s ancient history (over 3000 years) when women ruled as pharaohs in their own right.</p>003030784The female Horus: Hatshepsut, Queen of Egypt259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRC003259259The female Horus: Hatshepsut, Queen of Egypt207168259Michael Duiganthe-female-horus-hatshepsut-queen-of-egypt/rc003-2627<p>Discover the reign of a woman who assumes supreme power & retains it in a male dominated society. Her name means ‘The First Among the Noblewomen’. She was exceptional as there are very few instances in Egypt’s ancient history (over 3000 years) when women ruled as pharaohs in their own right.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-29 00:00:00<p>Initially Hatshepsut was merely the ‘Great Royal Wife’ of Tuthmosis II. On his death, she governed as regent for the young heir by a secondary wife. But she then adopted royal titles and was crowned as pharaoh and ruler of the Two Lands. We shall explore the accommodations she made to a male tradition and the adaptations she made to legitimise her rule. </p><p>Discover the reign of a woman who assumes supreme power & retains it in a male dominated society. Her name means ‘The First Among the Noblewomen’. She was exceptional as there are very few instances in Egypt’s ancient history (over 3000 years) when women ruled as pharaohs in their own right.</p><p>We shall examine the many striking innovation in politics, religion and the exquisite art of her reign. Her funerary temple in ancient Thebes is one of the loveliest in the entire Nile Valley.</p><p>Imperial Egypt had extensive trading, military and cultural links with other great powers in the Near East and the Aegean at this time. She was especially proud of her expedition to the fabled land of Punt to acquire incense. Contemporary paintings show tributaries and ambassadors from the Aegean bearing treasures of the kind found in Knossos and the royal graves of Golden Mycenae. </p><p>We reflect on the nuanced relationships between gender and power as negotiated in Bronze Age Egypt about 1500. BC. The role of her principal advisor (and lover??), Senenmut, will be examined. It seems that he fell from favour and his tomb was destroyed before the end of her reign. What is the history here?</p><p>We shall review the consequences and sequel to her reign and the restoration of the male dominated status quo. We consider the implications of this exercise of power by a woman. It may have been achieved with the support of a powerful (male) priesthood possibly in exchange for a diminution of royal control. The ‘Aten Revolution’ launched by Akhenaten denying the traditional gods and disempowering the priests may have been a reaction against this? </p><p>This is a story whose fascination is matched only by an account of the archaeological discoveries which revealed it.</p><ul><li>Identify the principal historical and political developments during this period</li><li>Analyse and understand the literature and art relating to this period</li><li>Use appropriate strategies for handling this ancient evidence</li></ul><p>This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, intellectual curiosity and an open mind are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Illustrated lectures, discussions, questions (and possibly quizzes), reading and analysis of original texts (in translation), museum visit. Above all, looking informed by reading. Additional museum visits and reading outside the course will greatly enhance the experience.</p><p>Limited book purchases recommended but optional.</p><p>Another ancient civilisations courses next term.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsvirtual207259168RC003NONETue29/09/26 - 01/12/2611:30 - 13:3011:3013:3010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetMichael DuiganBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities259259The female Horus: Hatshepsut, Queen of Egyptthe-female-horus-hatshepsut-queen-of-egypt/rc003-2627<p>Discover the reign of a woman who assumes supreme power &amp; retains it in a male dominated society. Her name means ‘The First Among the Noblewomen’. She was exceptional as there are very few instances in Egypt’s ancient history (over 3000 years) when women ruled as pharaohs in their own right.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-29 00:00:00<p>Initially Hatshepsut was merely the ‘Great Royal Wife’ of Tuthmosis II. On his death, she governed as regent for the young heir by a secondary wife. But she then adopted royal titles and was crowned as pharaoh and ruler of the Two Lands. We shall explore the accommodations she made to a male tradition and the adaptations she made to legitimise her rule. </p><p>Discover the reign of a woman who assumes supreme power &amp; retains it in a male dominated society. Her name means ‘The First Among the Noblewomen’. She was exceptional as there are very few instances in Egypt’s ancient history (over 3000 years) when women ruled as pharaohs in their own right.</p><p>We shall examine the many striking innovation in politics, religion and the exquisite art of her reign. Her funerary temple in ancient Thebes is one of the loveliest in the entire Nile Valley.</p><p>Imperial Egypt had extensive trading, military and cultural links with other great powers in the Near East and the Aegean at this time. She was especially proud of her expedition to the fabled land of Punt to acquire incense. Contemporary paintings show tributaries and ambassadors from the Aegean bearing treasures of the kind found in Knossos and the royal graves of Golden Mycenae. </p><p>We reflect on the nuanced relationships between gender and power as negotiated in Bronze Age Egypt about 1500. BC. The role of her principal advisor (and lover??), Senenmut, will be examined. It seems that he fell from favour and his tomb was destroyed before the end of her reign. What is the history here?</p><p>We shall review the consequences and sequel to her reign and the restoration of the male dominated status quo. We consider the implications of this exercise of power by a woman. It may have been achieved with the support of a powerful (male) priesthood possibly in exchange for a diminution of royal control. The ‘Aten Revolution’ launched by Akhenaten denying the traditional gods and disempowering the priests may have been a reaction against this? </p><p>This is a story whose fascination is matched only by an account of the archaeological discoveries which revealed it.</p><ul><li>Identify the principal historical and political developments during this period</li><li>Analyse and understand the literature and art relating to this period</li><li>Use appropriate strategies for handling this ancient evidence</li></ul><p>This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, intellectual curiosity and an open mind are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Illustrated lectures, discussions, questions (and possibly quizzes), reading and analysis of original texts (in translation), museum visit. Above all, looking informed by reading. Additional museum visits and reading outside the course will greatly enhance the experience.</p><p>Limited book purchases recommended but optional.</p><p>Another ancient civilisations courses next term.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsconfigurable
11921191Ancient civilisationshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/ancient-civilisations-11/2/285/1177/1191/11921/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations
