Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut, (1560?–1482 B.C.), an Egyptian ruler, the first woman to become a pharaoh. She ruled Egypt for more than 20 years (1503–1482 B.C.). Before becoming a pharaoh, Hatshepsut was the principal queen of Pharaoh Thutmose II, her half-brother. When he died in 1504 B.C., his son by a concubine became pharaoh as Thutmose III with Hatshepsut acting as regent. The next year, she assumed the title of pharaoh, officially ruling jointly with Thutmose. She, however, was the real ruler.