ABSTRACT
Many aspects of the reigns of Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III still attract argument and controversy, but what seems certain is that upon the death of Tuthmosis II, his son by a lesser queen ascended the throne as a minor (Tuthmosis III) while the Great Royal Wife (Hatshepsut) became regent for her young stepson. Ineni, the architect whose career began under Tuthmosis I and extended into that of Hatshepsut, wrote in his autobiography:
He (Tuthmosis II) went forth to heaven and mingled with the gods. His son stood in his place as king of the Two Lands, having become ruler upon the throne of the one who begat him. His sister, the Divine Consort, Hatshepsut, settled the affairs of the Two Lands by reason of her plans . . . . .’’ (BAR II: para. 341)
However, it appears that within two years, Hatshepsut had elevated herself to the status of joint pharaoh with Tuthmosis III.
