Queen Nefertari, renowned as one of ancient Egypt’s most beloved and influential queens, left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the Nile Valley civilization. Her beauty, intelligence, and patronage of the arts continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. 

In this article, we will delve into the life, accomplishments, and enduring legacy of Queen Nefertari, shedding light on her reign, cultural significance, and archaeological discoveries.

 

                       Who was Queen Nefertari? 

Queen Nefertari was an esteemed figure in ancient Egypt. She belonged to the 19th dynasty during the New Kingdom period, which spanned from 1550 to 1070 BC. Notably, she held the cherished position of the chief wife to the renowned Pharaoh Ramses II.

Regal Queen Nefertari

 

The Meaning of the Name “Nefertari”

In the ancient Egyptian language, Nefertari means”Beautiful Companion” or “The Most Beautiful.”, and she certainly was very pretty, as depicted on the walls of her magnificent tomb.

 

When was Queen Nefertari born?

The exact date of Nefertari’s birth is uncertain. However, she is believed to have been born around 1290 BCE during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.

 

Origin of Queen Nefertari

Exploring Queen Nefertari’s Origins

The exact origins of Queen Nefertari remain a mystery, but certain findings in her tomb have led to speculations about her lineage. These discoveries, such as a cartouche bearing the name of Pharaoh Ay, hint at a potential connection to rulers of the 18th Dynasty, including Tutankhamun, Nefertiti, Akhenaten, and Ay.

At the young age of thirteen, Nefertari entered into marriage with Ramesses, who was just fifteen at the time, before ascending to the throne as Pharaoh. She held the most significant position among his eight wives for at least the subsequent two decades.

Despite having at least four sons and two daughters, none of them succeeded to the throne. The heir to Ramesses II’s throne was Prince Merneptah, his 13th son from another wife, Isetnofret.

 

Children of Queen Nefertari and Ramses II

Children of Queen Nefertari and Ramses II

Ramses II had over a hundred children, and it is often challenging to definitively identify their mothers. However, the following children can be associated with Nefertari: 

• Prince Amun-her-khepeshef, crown prince, commander of the troops.

• Prince Pareherwenemef.

• Prince Meriatum, high priest of Heliopolis.

• Prince Meryre.

• Princess Meritamen, chantress of God Amun and priestess of Hathor.

• Princess Henuttawy.

• There could be more.

 

Nefertari wasn’t an Ordinary Woman

Extraordinary Nefertari

Nefertari was far from an average woman, and her relationship with Ramesses demonstrated that Egyptian royal unions extended beyond mere power, alliances, or convenience. Their bond was rooted in deep and genuine love, as evident from the affection portrayed on the walls of her opulent tomb.

Nefertari possessed exceptional qualities. She was a woman of remarkable education, proficient in reading and writing hieroglyphs, a rare skill during her era. Her intelligence and talents extended to diplomacy as she engaged in correspondence with other influential royal figures of her time. While her exact origins remain a mystery, it is clear that she hailed from the nobility.

 

Titles of Queen Nefertari

Royal Titles of Queen Nefertari

Queen Nefertari held a multitude of titles, showcasing her significant influence during her era. Beyond being the beloved wife of Pharaoh Ramses II, she also held positions as an official, a priestess, and a queen in her own right.

Among the titles of the Queen which were found inside her tomb: 

• King’s great wife
• King’s great wife, his beloved
• Wife of the strong bull
• God’s wife
• Mother of the king
• Hereditary noblewoman
• Great of praise
• Mistress of charm, sweetness, and love
• Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt
• Mistress of the two lands
• Mistress of all lands
• Pleasant in the twin plumes
• For whom the sun shines
• Great of favors
• Beloved of Mut 

 

Queen Nefertari’s Magnificent Legacy

1. Patroness of the Arts: Nefertari supported the flourishing arts and commissioned stunning sculptures and artworks, showcasing her commitment to Egyptian culture.

2. Religious Significance: She played a vital role in religious ceremonies, symbolizing the divine feminine and fertility, closely associated with the goddess Hathor.
3. Diplomatic Relations: Her marriage to Ramesses II strengthened political ties between Egypt and neighboring kingdoms, contributing to regional stability.
4. Queen Nefertari’s Temple: The Abu Simbel temple dedicated to her and Hathor featured impressive statues and highlighted her elevated status.
5. Cultural Significance: Conservation efforts have preserved her tomb’s wall paintings, offering insights into Egypt’s rich history and art.
6. Nefertari’s Mortuary Temple: She commissioned a magnificent temple in Thebes dedicated to Hathor, showcasing her devotion and desire for eternal reverence.
7. Symbolic Representation: Her iconic image, with regal attire and divine attributes, emphasizes her beauty, grace, and royal status.
8. Written Legacy: While few direct records exist, inscriptions and royal decrees confirm her influential role in religious and ceremonial affairs.
9. Enduring Popularity: Queen Nefertari’s legacy continues to captivate people worldwide, making her an iconic figure of ancient Egypt.

  

Queen Nefertari’s death

The exact date and cause of Nefertari’s death are unknown, but it is believed she died relatively early in Ramesses II’s long reign, as she disappeared from the historical record around the 25th year of his reign. Her tomb suggests she was honored and remembered long after her passing.

Reflecting on Queen Nefertari’s Death

Queen Nefertari’s Mummy

Despite the grandeur of her tomb, Nefertari’s mummy was not found there. Fragments of her mummy were discovered in a cache in the Valley of the Queens and positively identified in 1999. The remains indicate that she was about 40 years old at the time of her death.

 

Queen Nefertari’s Tomb

Exploring Queen Nefertari’s Tomb

Despite the little-known things about Nefertari’s life, it was evident that her relationship with Ramesses II was very special. She was his closest and most favorite wife, and he was deeply in love with her. 

This was very clear from what he did after her death to honor her life. He left her a legacy that would make her remembered for eternity, best represented by the vivid, lavish tomb he had built for her.

This vivid, lavish tomb Ramesses II built for his wife is located in the Valley of the Queens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the royal wives of ancient Egyptian kings were buried. The valley is situated on the west bank of the River Nile, opposite Thebes, modern-day Luxor.

The tomb was discovered in 1904 by Italian Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli and was given the number QV66.

Once he opened the door, Schiaparelli knew he was before a distinctive discovery no one had ever encountered before. The tomb was very beautiful. All the walls were decorated with amazingly vivid and colorful paintings. Not a single space was even left uncolored.

The Structure of the Tomb of Queen Nefertari:

The tomb is built on two levels; the first upper included an entrance stairway leading to an antechamber. To the right side of the antechamber, there is a vestibule end to an annex. From the antechamber, there is a second stairway leading to the burial chamber on the second lower level. Four pillars support the ceiling of the burial chamber. From the burial chamber, there are three annexes in the west, east, and north directions. Visiting Queen Nefertari’s tomb is a truly unique experience that allows visitors to step back in time and experience the beauty and grandeur of ancient Egypt.

 

Conclusion:

Queen Nefertari’s reign and her remarkable tomb in the Valley of the Queens are a testament to her enduring legacy and cultural significance. Nefertari’s influence inspires awe and admiration as a patron of the arts, a diplomatic figure, and an embodiment of beauty and power. Her timeless beauty and contributions to ancient Egypt’s rich history make her an iconic queen whose name shall forever be celebrated.