How did Hatshepsut become one of the most powerful pharaohs in ancient Egypt?

Hatshepsut was one of the most powerful pharaohs in ancient Egypt, and the only woman to rule as pharaoh in her own right. She became queen after marrying her half-brother, Thutmose II, who had two children from a previous marriage. When Thutmose II died, Hatshepsut became regent for her stepson and Thutmose II's heir, Thutmose III, who was still a child at the time. However, Hatshepsut quickly consolidated her power and declared herself pharaoh.

To legitimize her rule, Hatshepsut presented herself as a male pharaoh and used propaganda to portray herself as divinely ordained. She also embarked on an ambitious building program, including the construction of her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri, which still stands today. Her reign was marked by stability and prosperity, and she was known for her trade expeditions to Punt, a land rich in exotic goods.

Despite her successful reign, Hatshepsut's legacy was largely erased after her death, and many of her monuments were destroyed. It wasn't until the 19th century that she was rediscovered and her legacy as one of Egypt's most successful pharaohs was fully appreciated.