EGYPT'S MOST HATED FEMALE PHARAOH

Nefertiti was one of ancient Egypt's most famous queens, renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and strength. She was the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled Egypt during the 18th dynasty from 1353 to 1336 BC. Nefertiti lived during the period known as the New Kingdom, a time of great wealth and power for Egypt.

Early Life and Family

Nefertiti's exact birthplace and year are unknown, but it is believed she was born in the royal city of Thebes around 1370 BC. She was the daughter of a high-ranking official named Ay, who later became pharaoh after the death of King Tutankhamun.

At a young age, Nefertiti married Akhenaten, who was then known as Amenhotep IV. They had six daughters together, but it is believed that they did not have a son who could succeed Akhenaten as pharaoh.

Role as Queen

Nefertiti played an active role as queen of Egypt, working closely with her husband to promote their religious and political reforms. Akhenaten is known for his attempt to shift Egypt's religious focus away from the traditional pantheon of gods and towards the worship of a single god, the Aten, represented by the sun disk.

Nefertiti was a key figure in this effort, often depicted in art worshipping the Aten alongside her husband. She was also instrumental in promoting the idea of ma'at, the ancient Egyptian concept of balance and order, which was central to Akhenaten's reforms.

Artistic Legacy

Nefertiti is perhaps best known for her iconic bust, discovered in 1912 by German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt in the city of Tell el-Amarna. The bust is considered one of the most beautiful works of ancient Egyptian art, with its delicate features, high cheekbones, and full lips.

The bust is now housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin, where it has become one of the most popular attractions. Nefertiti's image has been widely used in popular culture and fashion, becoming an enduring symbol of beauty and grace.

Death and Legacy

Nefertiti's life is shrouded in mystery, and the exact circumstances of her death are unknown. Some theories suggest that she may have died during childbirth or from a disease, while others speculate that she may have been exiled or executed by her husband's successor, Tutankhamun.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her death, Nefertiti's legacy has endured for millennia. Her beauty and intelligence continue to inspire admiration and fascination, and her image remains one of the most iconic in all of ancient Egypt.