The queens, whether in command of Egypt or serv-
ing as a consort to the pharaohs, remain fascinating facets
of Egyptian history for the modern world. Some of them
left an imprint on their own times, and others stand as
exotic examples of feminine charms on the Nile.
In the Early Dynastic Period (2920–2575 B.C.E.),
Merneith, probably only a regent, had two mortuary com-
plexes built at ABYDOS and SAQQARA, using the royal
insignias. NEITHOTEP, the possible mother of AHA, the first
ruler of Egypt, was honored with similar mortuary monu-
ments, one containing the seals of the fabled NARMER.
In the Old Kingdom (2575–2134 B.C.E.), the two
queens named HETEPHERESleft relics of their existence:
one in tomb furnishings that had to be moved because of
grave robberies, the second as a witness to royal dynastic
feuds. The KHAMERERNEBTYqueens have left their own
mark. The second Queen Khamerernebty is commemo-
rated by a beautiful statue that depicts her beside the ruler
KHAFREin a remarkable display of equality and femininity.
KHENTAKAWES(1), the wife of SHEPSESKHAF, is called the
“Mother of the Fifth Dynasty.” Two sisters named
Ankhnesmery-Ré, given to Pepi I in marriage, bore him
heirs, and one served as regent for her son, Pepi II.
A relief depicting life on the Nile in the Middle Kingdom
women accompanied MONTUHOTEP IIin his tomb at DEIR
EL-BAHRI, and on the sarcophagi of many of them the
world is told that the inhabitant was “the Sole Favorite of
the King.” The mother of AMENEMHET I (Nofret), a
usurper, was honored by her son when he had cemented
his claims to the throne. Sobekneferu, the last ruler of the
Twelfth Dynasty, was a woman who maintained her reign
for only four years.
As the New Kingdom (1550–1070 B.C.E.) is better
documented, this period of Egyptian history provides a
roster of famous women. TETISHERI, the commoner wife
of TA’O Iof the Seventeenth Dynasty, was the grandmother
of ’AHMOSE, the founder of the New Kingdom, and she
lived to an old age with him and Queen AH’HOTEP(1).
’Ahmose was married to ’AHMOSE NEFERTARI, who gained
prominence by appearing with the pharaoh at public
functions and by having her name mentioned in public
records. She was deified after her death with her son,
AMENHOTEP I.
Hatshepsut, the daughter of TUTHMOSIS I, claimed the
throne after serving as the regent for Tuthmosis III and
ruled Egypt, building a temple at DEIR EL-BAHRIand send-
ing expeditions to PUNTand other sites in continued
trade. TIYE, the commoner wife of Amenhotep III, ap-
peared in public records and in foreign correspondence.
NEFERTITI, the commoner wife of Akhenaten, stands unri-
valed as an example of grace and loveliness from that age.
Kiya, the foreign-born second wife of Akhenaten, is
depicted with her own exotic charms.
In the Ramessid Period women such as NEFERTARI,
whose loveliness graces shrines on the Nile, including the
temple built in her honor at ABU SIMBEL, speak of a cul-
tured era. Twosret, who served as a regent for a time,
took the throne with her foreign vizier, BAY, at her side.
During the Third Intermediate Period (1070–712
B.C.E.) and the Late Period (712–332 B.C.E.), the queens
of Egypt did not have the powers of their sisters in the
past. Another sort of woman, serving as the GOD’S WIFE
OF AMUNat Thebes, had considerable political and reli-
gious powers instead, serving as the spokespersons for
their royal families in the capital.
The arrival of the Ptolemaic Period (304–30 B.C.E.),
however, brought women of vigor and intellect to the
courts. They were Greeks, not Egyptians, as no native
women were the mothers of the Ptolemaic rulers. Their
exploits and adventures were varied, and many of these
queens suffered at the hands of their relatives. CLEOPATRA
VII(r. 51–30 B.C.E.) was the last sole ruler of Egypt, and
she was notorious throughout the ancient world of her
time as a brilliant, enchanting, and politically astute indi-
vidual who held her own in the company of the leading
men of the times.
The following queens are discussed in this book:queens 327Nefertiti, the queen of Akhenaten, whose name means “The
Beautiful Woman Has Come.”(Hulton Archive.)