Hatshepsut's Expedition To Punt Analysis

Along with her development of Egypt, Hatshepsut 's expedition to Punt was one that she took great pride in, enough for it to be recorded in her mortuary temple. Along with the expedition came many positive outcomes, which included religious, economic and political benefits. Bentley believes that it was one of the most 'important events of her reign '.

One main feature of importance of the expedition was the economic impact that it had. Hatshepsut benefited greatly from the expedition, with many resources obtained. Redford states 'Hatshepsut was not blind to the need of bolstering Egypt 's economy ', emphasising that she was active in her trade missions. Bradley states 'the Egyptians needed a continuing supply of exotic products... ' this
Without the expedition the great products that they received would never have been had, thus there would have been less prosperity. The expedition came at a very good time, when Hatshepsut needed to justify her reign and keep her people happy. In this aspect the expedition was very important to her reign.

The expedition to Punt also gave religious benefits. Some historians believe that it was Amun who ordered her to go on the expedition (Tyldesley). One of the main reasons Hatshepsut went on the expedition was to receive religious benefits by appeasing Amun and to also maintain the support of the Amun priesthood. Another view comes from O 'Connor, who believes that Hatshepsut did not need support from the Amun priesthood because she was the head of religion.

By showing devotion to Amun it would also appease the officials and further justify her reign. In the scenes at Deir el-Bahri, an inscription is made which is devoted to her dedication to Amun, which is further proof of her dedication. Through this Hatshepsut justified her reign and now had approval from the officials and the Amun priesthood. According to Lawless, Hatshepsut did more than any other Pharaoh to raise the status of Amun beyond all other Gods. The success of the expedition increased Hatshepsut 's intimacy with Amen as Amen commanded the expedition to her, 'The ways to Punt should be searched out...
With this one success, she used it as much as possible in order to promote her reign. In order to be Pharaoh, she would need support, especially from males according to Gardiner. Tomb scenes depict Hatshepsut as a typical king, further evidence that she justified her reign. Her events, especially that of the expedition to Punt are widely recorded. Hatshepsut wanted to be remembered for it because it contributed to Egypt 's prosperity and she successfully illustrates this through the propaganda that she employed.

Hatshepsut importantly also extended the boundaries the knowledge of the Egyptians. The expedition to Punt can be seen as one of her initiatives that made Egypt prosper. Bradley identifies that she opened a peaceful trading route, while Bentley also agrees with this. Once again Hatshepsut emulated past Pharaohs and even managed to do what other Pharaohs in the past had not. Edwards states that 'her reign was generally peaceful and she increased the trade borders of the country '. Trade then flourished and for Egypt a period of prosperity occurred. This was particularly important to Hatshepsut