Old and Middle Kingdom Tradition in the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari

The temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, although a unique and innovative monument, is firmly settled in the earlier tradition. Its architecture, relief decoration, statuary program and texts, bear direct or indirect references to the past. The Old and Middle Kingdom ideas, patterns and motifs may be traced on various levels, in the overall structure as well as in details. Sometimes the direct source of a feature may be pointed out; in most cases one can at least set forth an inspiration source in the architecture and decoration programme of the royal mortuary complexes, royal texts or iconography. The Deir el-Bahari case should be seen against the wider background of Hatshepsut’s activities, referring to the great periods and achievements of her illustrious ancestors: Memphite and Theban traditions joined thus in a masterly way formed a new, firm base for her rule.