Hatshepsut of Egypt

Hatshepsut (1504?-1458 BC; sometimes spelled Hapshepsut) was a female Pharaoh of Egypt in the 18th dynasty. She ruled from 1473 BC to 1458 BC.

She was the daughter of Thutmose I. Ostensibly regent for Thutmose III of Egypt, she gradually assumed power for herself, eventually being crowned as Pharaoh. Along with it, she assumed the male trappings of power, wearing the male clothing and even false beard of the Pharaohs and having herself addressed by the male titles. She was a hands-on ruler, leading a successful military campaign in Nubia and traveling on a rich trading mission in Punt.

Hatshepsut is regarded as the first female monarch in recorded history.

See also: List of Pharaohs