The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Djeser-Djesero, is an ancient Egyptian funerary temple located in Upper Egypt. Of the three ancient Egyptian structures at the site, one, the mortuary temple of King Mentuhotep II (built c. 1970 BC), has lost much of its superstructure. The second, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (built c. 1470 BC), was discovered (1894–96) in the ruins of the monastery and subsequently underwent partial restoration. A complete restoration of the third terrace, sanctuary and retaining wall began in 1968 by the Polish archaeological expedition, which also found a third temple built by Thutmose III c. 1435 BC, above and between the two earlier temples. The three temples were connected by long causeways to the valley temples with docking facilities. The Temple of Hatshepsut is located at the foot of a cliff, and is a famous example of the creative architectural exploitation of the site. The three temples were largely destroyed by progressive rock falls from the cliffs above.
