Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut was Pharoah of Egypt from possibly as early as 1512 BC [or as late as 1493] until 1458 BC. She is acknowledged one of the most successful Pharoahs in history, although early Egyptologists credited some of her accomplishments to other male rulers throughout history. (Surprised?)

Hatshepsut named herself Pharoah, donned the false beard and other regalia of office, demanded she be called "His Majesty," and also took the additional title of "Chieftainess of Noble Women."

She was a warrior, general, king, builder, beneficent ruler, trade route creator, exceptional negotiator and is the only woman buried in the Valley of the Kings.

Her successor Thutmose III and his son Amenhotep II had minions try to erase her from history by chiseling her image, and references of her off statuary and cartouches. They did a poor job, and started late in their careers, thankfully. Attempts to take credit for her brilliant reign are gradually being debunked. Long may her true history shine ever brighter. More women archeologists! There are undoubtedly young Egyptologists hard at work right now.