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The Temple of Hatshepsut arose as a necropolis, consecrated to the goddess Hathor in the eleventh dynasty (2120 - 1991 BC). It was then abandoned until queen Hatshepsut took it over some five hundred years later. After the abandonment (again), it was for a period turned into a monastery, whose existence there is the reason for its being so well preserved, has given it its present Arabic name, Deir el-Bahri.

The temple is built into the rock itself, and consists of three terraces. It was created by the famous architect Senmut. Queen Hatshepsut is best known as the only woman who actually reigned as a pharaoh - probably to her son's annoyance. Hatshepsut took over the rule of Egypt when her husband, Thutmosis II, died. Thutmosis II was incidentally both her husband and half-brother.

When her son, Thutmosis III, came of age, she was so unhappy about handing over the power to him that she, together with the priests, figured out a way to avoid it. This way included wearing male clothes, as well as the false beard made of wood and leather worn by all pharaohs.