Who is Queen Nefertari?
Queen Nefertari is one of Egypt’s greatest queens, she was a member of the 19th dynasty in the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC) and the beloved main wife of the great Pharaoh Ramses II, A.K.A. Ramses the Great (1303–1213 BC). She was the favorite Queen of the King and his first wife, he married her before he set foot on the throne of Egypt. She was not a king’s daughter, but she was a woman of true nobility. The king married her when she was 13 years old, while he was 15 years old. Ramses has around 200 children, but only six are from Nefertari: four sons, Amun-her-Khepeshef, Pareherwenemef, Meriatum, and Meryre. And two daughters, Meritamen and Henuttawy.
The Best Titles of Queen Nefertari
Queen Nefertari is the symbol of beauty in Egypt, Nefertari means the beautiful companion believer of Mut. Plus, she has many titles like Sweet of Love, Bride of God, Lady of the Two Lands, King’s Great Wife, and God’s Wife.
When Did Queen Nefertari Die?
She died in 1256 B.C. at the age of around 40 or 50 years old. Ramses II built her the most beautiful and largest tomb in the Valley of the Queens. Her tomb is a true example of masterful decoration and a pure reflection of the importance of women during ancient Egyptian civilization. It was decorated in enchanting colors and well-preserved wall paintings of her usual daily life, poetry, and holy text from the Book of the Dead. Her mummy and sarcophagus were stolen by tomb raiders but the Egyptian museum still contains some remains of her tomb.
The tomb of Queen Nefertari, located in the Valley of the Queens on the west bank of Luxor, is one of Egypt’s most stunning tombs. This tomb has many “wow” aspects. The detail is incredible, and the colors are more brilliant than any of Egypt’s other tombs, temples, or pyramids. Put the tomb of Queen Nefertari on your list if you want to see what tombs were like 3,000 years ago.
Discovery of the Tomb
The discovery of the tomb was initially underwhelming. It lacked preserved artifacts. However, it still provided priceless insights into the life and death of Queen Nefertari. Schiaparelli’s work helped to piece together the historical puzzle. It made a substantial contribution to Egyptology. The discovered artifacts have since been donated to the Egyptian Museum.
The Symbolic Headdress
Queen Nefertari headdress was more than just a beautiful piece of royal regalia. It held deep symbolic significance. The design imitated the protective vulture goddess, Nek bet. Egyptians revered Nek bet as a guardian of the pharaohs and a symbol of Upper Egypt. By wearing the headdress, Nefertari visually affirmed her role as a protector and powerful figure within the kingdom.
The vulture motif also represented maternal protection and royalty. Ancient Egyptians believed that Nek bet’s presence would provide divine safeguarding to the queen and the entire realm. The headdress was not just an adornment. It was a powerful statement of Nefertari divine authority and protective duties.
Tomb Artistry and Meaning
Artists depicted Nefertari in beautifully colorful paintings on the tomb’s walls. These paintings demonstrate how much her husband adored her. Intricate wall paintings capture various scenes from her life and Egyptian mythology. The ceiling features painted stars to represent the night sky. This creates a celestial ambiance within the chamber.
The tomb’s walls also feature several chapters from the Book of the Dead. These sacred texts instruct Nefertari on how to transform into a bird in the afterlife. Artists meticulously illustrated these texts. They integrated them into the wall paintings, which added both artistic and spiritual depth to the tomb’s decoration.
The Importance of the Goddess Ma’at in Nefertari Tomb
Ma’at: The Embodiment of Truth and Order
In ancient Egyptian belief, Ma’at represented more than just a deity; she symbolized the fundamental concepts of truth, balance, and cosmic order. Her presence in the tomb of Queen Nefertari, who was the wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, underscores the profound respect the Egyptians had for these principles.
Ma’at in the New Kingdom
Dating back to the New Kingdom’s 19th Dynasty, specifically during Ramesses II‘s reign (circa 1279-1213 BC), Ma’at’s depiction in Nefertari tomb highlights the continuity of her worship. This period is known for its monumental architecture and rich artistic achievements, often aimed at ensuring the deceased’s rightful place in the afterlife.
Temple of Nefertari in Abu Simbel,
Ramses II showcased his love and devotion to Nefertari by building her a temple in Abu Simbel Temples, just one hundred meters away from his grand temple, the smallest one that was dedicated to Hathor (the goddess of joy, love, and happiness), which shows a great statue for her, Ramses, and the gods. You can witness this majestic monument during a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
