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What events were shown in the reliefs at Hatshepsut’s temple at Dayr al-Bahri?

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Ancient Egyptian illustration from the Book of the Dead showing Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, with gods seated above and hieroglyphic text throughout. — Egyptian art and architecture Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, c. 1275 bce.

The reliefs at Hatshepsut’s funerary temple at Dayr al-Bahri are notable for their unique subject matter, which departs from the purely military themes often found on the outer walls of other New Kingdom funerary temples.1

Key events and scenes depicted in these reliefs include:

The Divine Birth of Hatshepsut: These scenes illustrate the pharaoh's divine origins.1
Expedition to Punt: The temple features detailed records of a famous seaborne trading expedition to Punt, a region on the East African coast. These reliefs document the goods brought back to Egypt, including gold, ebony, animal skins, baboons, and living myrrh trees, which were subsequently planted in the temple gardens.123
Military Campaign in Nubia: Some wall scenes suggest that the pharaoh’s reign began with a successful, albeit short, military campaign in Nubia.2

These artistic programs reflect the pharaoh's focus on trade, divine legitimacy, and royal authority.2