Mummy identified
During the week I came across a very interesting article. Because of my studies in archaeology, and frequent references to the discoveries of archaeologists connected with the Antiquities Department of Macquarie University, I wanted to share it with you.
Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass announced today that one of two mummies found in the Valley of the Kings a century ago is Hatshepsut, Egypt’s most famous female pharaoh. The find is billed as the most important since the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Hatshepsut was one of the most powerful female monarchs of the ancient world and ruled for 21 years from 1479 to 1458 BC. She declared herself pharaoh after the death of her husband-brother Tuthmosis II.
In 1903, archaeologist Howard Carter discovered two sarcophogi in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. One contained the mummy of Hatshepsut’s nurse, but the other was an unknown female. In 1920 he found Queen Hatshepsut’s tomb, but its two sarcophagi were empty. Carter discovered Tutankhamun in 1922.
Zahi Hawass used CT scans to produce detailed 3D images and link physical traits of Hatshepsut’s family to the unknown mummy. Hawass also found a box inscribed with Hatshepsut’s name. It contained a tooth that perfectly matched a space in the mouth of the mummy.
Hatshepsut was the child of Pharaoh Thutmose I and Ah-Mose. There are no descriptions or pictures of her. Hatshepsut came from a line of strong women who took on prominent roles. Thutmose I died around 1492 B.C when Hatshepsut was about 12 years old. His son Thutmose II became heir and married his half-sister Hatshepsut to help legitimize his rule. Had Hatshepsut been a man, she would have succeeded her father.
Thutmose II was physically weak and Egyptologists speculate that Hatshepsut was the real power behind the throne. When the king died, the widowed queen became regent for her stepson, Thutmose III. While he was too young to rule, Hatshepsut slowly transformed into Pharaoh. Eventually she declared herself ruler, even when Thutmose III came of age.
Hatshepsut’s declaration was unique. Egypt had female rulers before her, but only when there was no male heir and only for short periods. She was almost always represented as a male king, wearing the traditional headdress and false beard. But in her inscriptions, she kept female pronouns.
Hatshepsut successfully ruled the most powerful, advanced civilization in the world for 20 years, until 1483 BC. Then the historical record just stops, and there is no reference to her death. Her statues and engravings were systematically destroyed or replaced with the names Thutmose I, II or III. The first mention of Hatshepsut after her death came in 300 B.C. Many scholars believe the vandalism was designed to re-establish the rightful succession of heirs.
This find is interesting for Christians in that Hatshepsut reigned over Israel’s descendants while they were in Egypt, around 220 years before the Exodus. Genesis 41 records how Joseph led his family into Egypt to escape the drought. Historians believe this Pharaoh may have been Apophis, who reigned from about B.C. 1575 to 1535. Exodus records the persecution and escape of the Israelites. Some Egyptologists think it happened under Amosis (or Ahmes), but others think it is Rameses II. The Exodus occurred around B.C. 1260.
Hatshepsut’s story is that she went from being Queen of the most advanced country in the world, to having her memory deliberately destroyed, with no mention of her for 1,100 years. She was buried for 3,400 years, found and then ignored for another century. Now she has another brief moment in the sun. It reminds me of Psalm 103:15-19.
“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
May the eternal Lord bless you as you remember what truly lasts.
Rev The Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes, A.C, M.L.C.