Nefertari
Queen of Egypt
During the
nineteenth Dynasty a queen by the name of Nefertari was in power
with Ramesses the Great. She was one of many wives, but
continued to remain one of his favorites. Her birth parents
remain a mystery, but it’s determined she is of royal heritage.
It is however known that she had a brother by the name of
Amenmose who was the mayor of Thebes during her rule as queen.
She had two sons, Amonhirwonmef, Prehirwonmef and two daughters
named Merytamon, and Mertatum.
Looking at all
the monuments constructed it is pretty evident she was of high
importance. She must have played an important role in her
time. Most depictions of the queen stand with Ramesses II,
which might mean she might have had a major political influence
on Egypt. Ramesses II also dedicated a temple to her called Abu
Simbel. This temple is located south of Aswan near the second
Cataract of the Nile. This temple was designed with four large
statues of Ramesses II with several small figures at his side.
The temple was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen
Nefertari.
Nefertari was
not the only Queen present during the rule of Ramesses II. In
fact, Ramesses had a harem filled with many queens. His
children were estimated at one hundred or more. Ramesses refers
to her as the most beautiful one though.
Her disappearance
remains a mystery. Experts aren’t sure if she died, or just
remained part of the great harem. Her tomb has been found and
it remains a precious treasure of Egypt. Her tomb is said to be
one of the more extraordinary tombs found to date. It’s located
in The Valley of the Queens.
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