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Hear ye, all persons! Ye people as many as ye are! I have done this according to the design of my heart. ... I have restored that which was in ruins, I have raised up that which was unfinished since the Asiatics were in the midst of the Northland, and the barbarians were in the midst of them, overthrowing that which was made, while they ruled in ignorance of Re. He did not do according to the divine command until my majesty. When I was firm upon the throne of Re, I was ennobled until the two periods of years...I came as Hor-watit flaming against my enemies.

Hatshepsut#1

KingshipPowerDivinityHistory

About this quote

What does it mean?
Hatshepsut claims divine right to restore order and defeat enemies under Ra's command.
In plain terms
She restored the kingdom and defeated enemies by following the gods will.
What can you take from it?
Leaders often claim divine mandate to justify restoring order or conquering others.

Where it applies

  • Political speeches
  • historical records
  • religious propaganda

Putting it to work

  • Link authority to higher values
  • document restoration efforts

Questions to consider

  • How do leaders justify their power?
  • When is restoration necessary?

Another view

Ancient claims of divine rule were often tools for political legitimacy.

More from Hatshepsut

  1. I have commanded that my [titulary] abide like the mountains; when the sun shines its rays are bright upon the titulary of my majesty; my Horus is high upon th…

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  2. To look upon her was more beautiful than anything; her splendor and her form were divine; she was a maiden, beautiful and blooming.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. I am his [Ammun-Ra] daughter in very truth, who works for him and knows what he desires. My reward from my father is life, stability, dominion upon the Horus t…

    Permalink to quote #4

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