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Queen Nefertari

Facts About Queen Nefertari

  • 05 16, 2023

Queen Nefertari

Nefertari – Nofretari in English – Meryenmut (“The most beautiful of all, beloved of Mut”) is the principal Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II who lived during the 19th Dynasty around the 13th century BCE.Rarely has a Queen received so much consideration. Two monuments of great importance bear witness to the preponderant role she played and the undeniable prestige she enjoyed: Her splendid tomb in the Valley of the Queens and the small temple of Abu Simbel.

 The King will have this temple built next to his sanctuary, dedicated to Nefertari and Hathor, Goddess of joy, music, beauty and love that Nefertari embodied on earth. By this act she was most probably the only royal Egyptian woman, other than Queen Tiyi I to be deified during her life. She followed in the footsteps of this Queen, by having a temple dedicated in her honor. In this temple, her sculptures are the same size as those of the Pharaoh, which is very rare in Egyptian history.

Nefertari will have responsibilities from the first years of her husband's reign. She will participate in the main official events and will always be associated with the King's major decisions. She celebrates religious rites and intervenes in government affairs. In addition, she takes charge of the State when the Pharaoh is absent, or goes on campaign. 

Her status is confirmed by the fact that she was described in the texts as part of the King's entourage, in particular during a trip to Nubia where the decision to build the temple of Abu Simbel will be taken. Nefertari is also depicted in representations of the same size as Ramses II, a rarity in Egypt, which indicates her importance in the eyes of the sovereign.

Thanks to tablets written in Hittite cuneiform, found in the city of Hattusa, we know that Nefertari will also play an important role in foreign policy and will promote peace with the Hittites, by corresponding many times and exchanging gifts with Queen Poudoukhepa (or Poudouhepot or Puduheba or Puduhepa), the wife of Hattusili III (1264-1234). This will result in a long period of peace between the two powers which will finally lead to a marriage of Ramses II with a Hittite Princess.

Around 1240 her predominance seems to weaken because her representations next to the Pharaoh become rare. Her health would have deteriorated around the age of 25. Her last representation was on a stele of Heqanakht, the viceroy of Nubia, where she is shown accompanied by her daughter Meritamon (or Merytamen) making offerings at the temple of Abu Simbel. 

In a lower register the viceroy is shown in adoration before Nefertari. Shortly after the Queen disappears completely from the scene. She died in 1255/1254, at the age of about forty, before the jubilee of the thirtieth year of the reign of Ramses II and especially well before him. It was then Isis-Nofret I who became Great Royal Wife.

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Our company provides all the services that make your visit to Egypt enjoyable. We help you to discover all the archaeological sites in Egypt at the lowest cost. All our services are suitable, in addition to special services for wheelchair owners. Cairo Top Tours has a group of trips to various governorates of Egypt. if you want to discover this trip, you can visit our website. 

Under the rule of the Ancient Pharaoh Mamluks, the daily lives of ancient Egyptians underwent several changes:

Cultural and Religious Influence: The Mamluks were of Turkic and Circassian origin, and their rule brought cultural and religious influences from these regions to Egypt. This had an impact on art, architecture, and even language.

Economic Prosperity: The Mamluk period saw economic prosperity in Egypt, driven by trade and agriculture. The Mamluks invested in infrastructure, such as canals and irrigation systems, which boosted agricultural production.

Urban Development: Cities like Cairo and Alexandria flourished during the Mamluk era. Cairo, in particular, became a major cultural and economic center. New mosques, markets, and architectural marvels were constructed during this time.

Trade and Commerce: Egypt's strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa made it a hub for trade. The Mamluks encouraged trade, and Cairo's markets (souks) became renowned for their diversity of goods.

Social Structure: The Mamluks upheld a strict social hierarchy. They were at the top, followed by various classes of free Egyptians, and at the bottom were slaves. Slavery was widespread during this period.

Art and Architecture: Mamluk art and architecture left a significant mark on Egypt. Elaborate mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas (Islamic schools) were built, showcasing intricate designs and calligraphy.

Military and Defense: The Mamluks maintained a powerful military. They were known for their skill in horsemanship and archery, and they played a key role in defending Egypt from external threats.

Religious Patronage: The Mamluks were strong patrons of Islamic religious institutions. They funded the construction of mosques, schools, and other religious buildings. This had a lasting impact on Egypt's religious landscape.

Literature and Scholarship: The Mamluk era saw the flourishing of Arabic literature and scholarship. Many works of poetry, history, and science were produced during this time.

Political Intrigue: The Mamluk rule was marked by political intrigue and power struggles among different Mamluk factions. This often led to instability and periodic changes in leadership.

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