Hatshepsut, also spelled Hatchepsut, female king of ancient Kemet (reigned in her own right c. 1473–58 BCE) she is the first woman to rule as queen king, attaining a position in ancient Kemet only worn by men previous to her rule.
Hatshepsut was an entirely conventional regent for the first few years of her stepson’s reign. But, by the end of his seventh regnal year, she had been crowned king and adopted a full royal titulary (the royal protocol adopted by Kemetic sovereigns). Hatshepsut and Thutmose III were now co-rulers of Kemet, with Hatshepsut very much the dominant king (Britannica).
She’s also responsible for producing what is now known as the “Ebers Papyrus.” a compilation of medical texts dated about 1550 BC, one of the oldest known medical works.
Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
The scroll contains 700 formulas and remedies meant to cure afflictions ranging from crocodile bite to toenail pain and rid the house of pests like flies, rats, and scorpions. It also includes a surprisingly accurate description of the circulatory system, noting the existence of blood vessels throughout the body and the heart’s function as the center of the blood supply, as well as a natural remedy that helps prevent unwanted pregnancies.
