Hatshepsut's 15th-century BC temple at Deir el-Bahari rises from the desert in terraces linked by wide ramps, designed by Senmut. At winter solstice, sunrise illuminates Amun-Ra and Hatshepsut statues along the central axis. Walls record the Punt expedition, and forecourt gardens grew frankincense and myrrh trees — among the earliest documented gardens.
Hatshepsut's terraced temple at Deir el-Bahari, designed by Senmut
Key facts
- Built in the 15th century BC at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile
- Designed by the architect Senmut as a series of terraces rising from the desert floor, connected by wide central ramps
- Central axis aligned with the winter solstice sunrise, illuminating statues of Amun-Ra and Hatshepsut
- Reliefs record the expedition to the Land of Punt, returning exotic animals, incense, ivory, and gold
- Archaeological evidence indicates the forecourt contained ornamental botanical gardens with frankincense and myrrh trees imported from Punt, one of the earliest documented gardens
- Statues depicted Hatshepsut as a male pharaoh with the royal false beard
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