Senenmut
Senmut († around 1460 BC ) was an ancient Egyptian high officials and builders of the New Kingdom. He was one of the most influential officials of the ruling Queen ( Pharaoh ) Hatshepsut and probably responsible for major construction projects of her reign.
Origin
As the son of Ramose and Hatnofer ( alternate spelling: Hatnefret ) from Armant, about 25 km south of Thebes located, and more coming from average conditions, he had risen later to the highest offices of state.
Career start
Under Amenhotep I, and Thutmose I. He was probably first student priest, and then officer before he was official then. In the further course of his life Senmut gained many high positions and titles. He was, for example, the "Managers of Amun ". He was responsible for the entire possession of the temple of Amun at Karnak and in addition all the connected temple, with all stocks of precious metals and gems, lands, cattle, and other business enterprises. According to Dorman (1988 ) a total of 88 additional titles are in use, but it can be assumed that Senmut, the associated functions are not always performed well at the same time. An impressive self-representation was not unknown in ancient Egypt.
Under Hatshepsut
Under Hatshepsut he was its chief architect, builder, top asset managers and thus also her closest confidant. For the education of their only surviving daughter Neferu -Re, he was also responsible. For Hatshepsut he built probably the most of their buildings. In the construction of her famous mortuary temple at Deir el- Bahari, he copied the one hand, the ramp of another nearby temple, but created other hand the fantastic figures of the colonnades and the temple inside a unique ceiling design, so that the temple could withstand the weight of the rock above.
His relationship with Hatshepsut
Certainly Senmut was one of the darlings of Hatshepsut, but there is no evidence that he and the Queen were lovers. However, some researchers are of the opinion that this was the case very well and Senmut could also have been the biological father of Neferu -Re. At least one statue shows him together with Neferu -Re in a protectively hugging, exceeding the educators function, paternal intimacy that permit together with further references in the way such an interpretation entirely.
As an award and proof of her favor he was allowed a grave ( TT353 ) next to Hatshepsut's mortuary temple building. This grave complex is a long corridor leads directly under the central portion of its mortuary temple and you can see the desire to perpetuate his great devotion and heartfelt devotion to Hatshepsut from many representations and inscriptions in his grave chamber.
The ceiling of his grave chamber also adorns an astronomical calendar, the astronomical constellations could be dated to the year 1463 BC. The Committee mentioned in this Zusammhang " the king and Osiris Star" peaked in 1463 BC in Ancient Egypt on 23 and 24 Achet III to the 7th hour of the night ( midnight) and symbolized the rebirth of the deceased. This representation was used at least until the Ramesside on the Ramesside star clocks often copied as a template for grave blankets representations. The pictured in the grave of Senmut astronomical constellations were taken daily basis, although the astronomical events had moved in the meantime in the Egyptian calendar.
The grave had no aboveground plant cult, which he had built against it in Sheikh Abd el- Qurna ( TT71 ). This system is poorly maintained and was decorated with paintings. There were still remnants of the representations of Cretan tribute charms.
His end
Around the same time, since Hatshepsut's daughter Neferu -Re died, also Senmut all his offices was relieved and disappeared in the 16th year of the reign of Hatshepsut from the scene. We still do not know what has become of him. He probably had enemies and envious, who were jealous of his career and his achievements. Therefore, it is not surprising that at some point after the death of Senenmut almost all images were destroyed by him. His mummy is missing today.