Provided / Cincinnati Museum Center




Hatshepsut - the daughter of a general who usurped Egypt's throne and a mother with ties to the previous dynasty - successfully negotiated a path from the royal nursery to the very pinnacle of authority, and her reign saw one of Ancient Egypt’s most prolific building periods. Scholars have long speculated as to why her monuments were destroyed within a few decades of her death, all but erasing evidence of her unprecedented rule.

Constructing a rich narrative history using the artifacts that remain, noted Egyptologist Kara Cooney offers a remarkable interpretation of how Hatshepsut rapidly but methodically consolidated power - and why she fell from public favor just as quickly. The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt traces the unconventional life of an almost-forgotten pharaoh and explores our complicated reactions to women in power.

Official Portrait

Senator Rob Portman says the attacks in Libya and Egypt are heartbreaking reminders that we live in a very dangerous world and need to remain vigilant.  During a conference call with reporters today, Portman said those responsible should be pursued.     

"We need to go after the perpetrators and hold them responsible.  The government of Egypt and the government of Libya need to ensure that these folks are held acountable," said Portman.  "They also need to do a better job of protecting American soil, just as we protect their embassies in the United States."