Senenmut
18th
Dynasty
Senenmut was an official of the 18th Dynasty,
and counseleor to Hatshepsut
(1473-1458 B.C.). He was tutor to Princess
Neferu-re' and offered support for Hatshepsut when
she assumed the throne, setting aside Tuthmosis III.
Senenmut was also honored for his architectural skills.
He was deeply involved in the building projects of
Hatshepsut, including the building of the temple at Deir
El-Bahri on the western shore of the Nile at Thebes and
the construction of the Karnak temple.
He amassed about 80 seperate titles as an official and
as an administrator in the royal court and he worked with
Hapuseneb and others to
support Hatshepsut's reign. Many stories concerning
Senenmut have surfaced over the years. All of the titles
and favors bestowed upon him have given rise to much
speculation. What is known is that Senenmut dared to
attempt to link his own tomb to that of the
Queen-Pharaoh. His tomb and his images were destroyed
with a definite ruthlessness by the agents of Tuthmosis
III, Hatshepsut's heir, who had been set aside by her
claims to the throne.
When Senenmut died in the 19th year of her reign (or
possibly before) Hatshepsut was left vulnerable.
Contemporary portraits of Senenmut show him with a long
nose and a rather cunning face. His tomb was beautifully
designed and furnished. Among his funeral offerings was
the body of a horse.
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