The Monuments of Senenmut: Problems in Historical Methodology

First published in 1988. In all past commentaries on Senenmut and his time, 1 the single most pervasive problem with which modem scholars--and no doubt even contemporary ancient Egyptians--have had the most difficulty in coming to terms is perhaps the fact of Hatshepsut's kingship. The motives for her accession, the extent of her power, the nature of her political support, the legacy of her rule, and the reasons for her proscription are all themes that derive from the monumental and chronological data that must form the basis of any evaluation of her reign. In the course of the past century, as an increasing number of monuments belonging to Senenmut have been discovered or newly identified, each one has understandably provided an opportunity for a reinterpretation of the career of this powerful courtier; yet each has also provided the chance for fresh commentary on Hatshepsut's kingship and her presumed rivals for the throne of Egypt.