Queen Hatshepsut

In 1504 BC a woman named Hatshepsut became a ruler of Egypt. She was the daughter of Thutmose I. She married her half-brother Thutmose II with whom she ruled Egypt until his death in 1504. In 1503 Hatshepsut had been crowned as a Pharaoh, and reigned in her own right until 1483. She co-ruled with Tutmose III, the son of her half-brother by another wife. Tutmose III ruled alone with her until her death. Hatshepsut built the great temple at Deir el-Bahari near Thebes which is approached by a lane of sphinxes and huge terraces with columns. The second wife of Thutmose III was named Meryetre Hatshepsut but she was not related to the queen. (She was the mother of a Pharaoh, Amenhotep II.) Hatshepsut was dressed in full Pharaoh clothing including a false beard, that was traditionally worn only by kings. Hatshepsut enjoyed her position very much and had the great temple that I have already explained in her honor at Thebes.

Here is a link to a diagram from another site showing how Hatshepsut's family tree may have looked.

Short article from Encarta about Hatshepsut