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Primary sourceArtifactc. 1500 BCE

Obelisk of Hatshepsut

c. 1500 BCE

A towering granite obelisk at Karnak Temple, commissioned by Hatshepsut and inscribed with her own words of devotion.

Hatshepsut commissioned this obelisk and its inscription speaks in her own voice about her devotion and legacy.

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A tall, slender tapering stone obelisk with a pyramidion tip stands among ruined sandstone blocks under a clear blue sky. Carved hieroglyphic inscriptions run vertically down its face. Fallen and stacked stone fragments surround it.
Obelisk of Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple Complex, c. 1500 BCE.

About this source

What it is

This standing granite obelisk at the Karnak Temple Complex was commissioned by Hatshepsut around 1500 BCE. It was among the tallest obelisks ever erected in ancient Egypt.

Why it matters

The base of the obelisk carries an inscription in Hatshepsut's own voice, expressing devotion to the god Amun and concern about how people would judge her. It shows a ruler directly addressing her legacy and defending her rule through monumental building.

Look closer

  • Why would a ruler carve personal words onto such a huge monument?
  • What does the choice of material and height tell you about the goals of the project?
  • What does the inscription suggest Hatshepsut was worried about?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Hatshepsut on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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View of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, a tiered stone building with long colonnades and ramps set against towering tan limestone cliffs under a clear blue sky. Small figures and a low shelter are visible in the foreground.Artifact

Primary source

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Senenmut and/or Hapuseneb (attributed) · c. 1479–1458 BCE

Photograph of a carved sandstone relief panel at Karnak. Columns of hieroglyphs divide the panel. On the left, a figure in a tall crown strides with one arm raised. On the right, a standing figure in a kilt faces left. Blue sky and a palm tree appear at the edge.Photograph

Secondary source

Hatshepsut Dancing Before Min, Karnak Relief

Carole Reeves · 1989

Painted relief on a temple wall showing men carrying a tree in a basket with a pole, between stylized incense trees and a palm, in orange, red and cream colors, with hieroglyphs above and a wave-pattern band below.Sculpture

Primary source

Punt Expedition Reliefs

Royal workshops of Hatshepsut · c. 1470 BCE

Photograph of a dark grey stone sculpture of a head, mounted on a red rectangular pedestal against a white background. The head has a tall, smooth-topped headdress, carved eyes, nose and mouth, and a worn surface. Catalogue label MM 11423 appears at lower right.Sculpture

Primary source

Sculpture Head Probably of Hatshepsut

Photograph of a seated limestone statue of a figure wearing a royal headcloth with a pleated nemes and a false beard-less face, hands resting on the lap, seated on a block with hieroglyphic inscriptions on its side.Sculpture

Primary source

Seated Statue of Hatshepsut

c. 1466 BCE

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