Queen Nefertiti - Egypt

Queen Nefertiti

Facts About Queen Nefertiti

Nefertiti! This name reminds you of the famous painted bust, now on display at the Neues Museum in Berlin, which was found in 1912 in Tell el-Amarna in Egypt. This sculpture, strangely well preserved, of a little less than fifty centimeters high, represents a woman with mythical beauty.

Nefertiti, remains a mystery for the Egyptologists, with a burial unfound. She was certainly a princess, who married at the age of 12 the pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, named Amenophis IV-Akhenaton. She became queen of Egypt when he inherited the throne at age 15, around 1350 BC. Nefertiti was both queen and goddess, also married to the solar god Aton.

The royal couple used to make decisions, suggested by the god. At the beginning of their reign, both lived in Thebes, the Egyptian capital. Nefertiti would have encouraged her husband to build a new capital in honor of the god Aton.

Nefertiti’s identity remains a mystery, as the reign of Amenhotep IV and Nefertiti was deliberately erased from history by subsequent generations of worshipers of the god Amon. She is depicted as a powerful and happy wife with her 6 daughters, so it is concluded that she could not give any heirs. Thus, she was dismissed by the pharaoh favoring his second wife, Kaya. The latter would have given him the next heir, Tutankhanum, which remains famous to this day.

Egypt is a significant nation with numerous must-see attractions. It is best to join a guided multi-day tour if you want to see all of the highlights, including the Valley of the Kings and the Giza Pyramids. By doing this, you can be sure that you won't miss any of this fascinating nation's top attractions.
 

Queen Nefertiti was an ancient Egyptian queen and the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled during the 14th century BCE in the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt's New Kingdom period. She is famous for several reasons:

Her Beauty: Nefertiti is renowned for her exceptional beauty. Her name means "the beautiful one has come," and her striking appearance is depicted in numerous statues and paintings from her time.

Religious Role: During the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten, Egypt underwent a religious revolution. Akhenaten introduced the worship of a single god, the sun deity Aten, and moved the capital from Thebes to a new city called Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna). Nefertiti played a prominent role in this religious transformation and was a key figure in the cult of the Aten.

Artistic Legacy: The artistic style of the Amarna Period, characterized by naturalistic and more relaxed depictions of royals, is often associated with Nefertiti's influence. Her iconic bust, discovered in 1912, is considered one of the most famous and recognizable pieces of ancient Egyptian art.

Co-Regency: There is evidence to suggest that Nefertiti may have served as co-regent alongside Akhenaten, particularly during the later years of his reign. Some inscriptions and depictions suggest she had a significant role in the administration of the kingdom.

Mystery and Controversy: Nefertiti's ultimate fate is the subject of much speculation and debate among historians. Her disappearance from historical records has led to theories about her death or possible name changes. Her exact role in the religious and political changes of the time is also a topic of scholarly discussion.

Cultural Impact: Nefertiti remains an enduring symbol of ancient Egyptian beauty and femininity. Her image continues to captivate artists, historians, and the public, making her one of the most celebrated and iconic figures of ancient Egypt.

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