Nefertari, the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramses II, stands as one of Ancient Egypt’s most celebrated queens, renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and unparalleled influence during the 19th Dynasty (circa 1290–1249 BC). Known as “the one for whom the sun shines,” Nefertari was more than a consort—she was a diplomatic partner, a cultural icon, and the inspiration behind some of Egypt’s most stunning monuments, including her temple at Abu Simbel and her exquisite tomb in the Valley of the Queens. This post delves into Nefertari’s life, her role alongside Ramses II, and her enduring legacy as a symbol of love and power.
A Noble Beginning
Nefertari’s origins are not fully documented, but she likely came from a noble or royal family, possibly connected to the court of Pharaoh Ay or Horemheb from the 18th Dynasty. Born around 1300 BC, her name, meaning “beautiful companion,” hinted at the charisma that would define her reign. She married Ramses II before he became pharaoh, likely in his teens, forging a partnership that would last decades.
As Great Royal Wife, Nefertari held a position of immense prestige, outranking Ramses II’s other wives, including Isetnofret. Her early years as queen were marked by her active participation in court life, setting the stage for her prominent role during Ramses II’s 66-year reign, one of the longest in Egyptian history.
The Queen of Diplomacy
Nefertari’s influence extended far beyond the palace, as she played a key role in Egypt’s diplomatic affairs. During Ramses II’s reign, Egypt achieved unprecedented stability, partly through the world’s first recorded peace treaty, the Treaty of Kadesh, signed with the Hittites around 1259 BC. Nefertari’s diplomatic correspondence with Hittite queens, particularly Puduhepa, is preserved in cuneiform tablets, revealing her as a skilled negotiator. These letters, filled with warmth and mutual respect, strengthened the peace between the two powers.
Nefertari’s diplomatic efforts were celebrated in Egypt, with inscriptions at her Abu Simbel temple praising her as a “ruler of all lands.” Her ability to navigate international relations alongside Ramses II underscores her status as a partner in governance, a rare distinction for an Egyptian queen.
The Temple at Abu Simbel: A Monument to Love
Nefertari’s legacy is immortalized in the smaller of the two temples at Abu Simbel, dedicated to her and the goddess Hathor. Built by Ramses II around 1265 BC in Nubia, this temple is a testament to their love and her divine status. Unlike most queens, Nefertari is depicted on the temple’s facade at the same scale as Ramses II, a rare honor signifying her equality. The temple’s interior features vibrant reliefs of Nefertari offering to Hathor, emphasizing her role as a divine intermediary.
The Abu Simbel temples, carved into a mountainside, were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding caused by the Aswan Dam, a UNESCO-led effort that highlights their global significance. Nefertari’s temple, with its delicate artistry, remains a highlight for visitors, symbolizing the enduring bond between her and Ramses II.
The Tomb of Nefertari: A Masterpiece of Art
Nefertari’s tomb (QV66) in the Valley of the Queens is one of the most beautiful in Egypt, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt.” Discovered in 1904 by Italian archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli, the tomb features stunning wall paintings depicting Nefertari’s journey to the afterlife. Scenes show her playing senet, offering to Osiris, and being guided by Anubis, rendered in vivid colors that have survived millennia.
The tomb’s craftsmanship reflects Nefertari’s importance, with intricate details and hieroglyphs praising her as “beloved of Mut” and “great of praises.” Though looted in antiquity, the tomb’s preservation efforts in the 1980s restored its splendor, making it a must-see for Egypt enthusiasts, albeit with restricted access to protect its delicate art.
Family Life: A Royal Matriarch
Nefertari was a devoted mother, bearing at least six children with Ramses II, including sons Amun-her-khepeshef and Merenptah (who later became pharaoh) and daughters Meritamen and Nefertari. Her children held prominent roles in court, with Meritamen serving as a priestess. Nefertari’s influence as a matriarch is evident in reliefs depicting her with her children, emphasizing her role in securing the royal lineage.
Despite Ramses II’s vast harem and over 100 children, Nefertari remained his favorite, as seen in inscriptions calling her “the most beautiful of them all.” Her prominence in art and monuments suggests a deep personal connection, rare in the often-political marriages of ancient royalty.
The Mystery of Her Fate
Nefertari’s life ended around year 25 of Ramses II’s reign (circa 1255 BC), likely in her 40s. The cause of her death is unknown, possibly illness or childbirth, common risks of the time. Her passing was mourned deeply, as evidenced by the grandeur of her tomb and temple. After her death, Isetnofret became Ramses II’s primary queen, but Nefertari’s memory endured in his heart and Egypt’s art.
Speculation surrounds her final years, with some suggesting she retired to a harem palace in Fayum, though no evidence confirms this. Her tomb’s pristine condition and the absence of her mummy (likely stolen by tomb robbers) add to the enigma of her legacy.
Cultural Impact: Nefertari’s Timeless Allure
Nefertari’s image as a powerful, beloved queen resonates in modern culture. Her Abu Simbel temple and QV66 tomb draw thousands of tourists, while her story inspires films, novels, and exhibitions. The 1990s restoration of her tomb by the Getty Conservation Institute highlighted her global significance, cementing her as a cultural treasure.
Nefertari’s diplomatic letters offer a rare glimpse into female leadership in antiquity, making her a symbol of empowerment. Her depiction in art, from graceful reliefs to statues, continues to captivate, with her elegance rivaling Nefertiti’s iconic bust in the public imagination.
Fun Facts About Nefertari
- Nefertari’s Abu Simbel temple is one of the few dedicated to a queen, placing her on par with gods and pharaohs.
- Her tomb, QV66, features a rare depiction of Nefertari playing senet, a game tied to the afterlife journey.
- She exchanged gifts with Hittite queen Puduhepa, including jewelry and textiles, as recorded in diplomatic letters.
- Nefertari’s mummy is missing, but fragments found in QV66 suggest she was adorned with gold and linen.
- The relocation of Abu Simbel in the 1960s cost $40 million, underscoring Nefertari’s temple’s value.
- Her name appears in love poetry inscribed by Ramses II, calling her “my love, my favorite, my queen.”
Conclusion
Nefertari was more than Ramses II’s beloved queen—she was a diplomat, a matriarch, and a divine figure whose legacy shines through her temple at Abu Simbel and her breathtaking tomb. Her beauty, wisdom, and influence made her a cornerstone of Egypt’s golden age, captivating hearts then and now. From her diplomatic triumphs to her eternal resting place, Nefertari remains a timeless symbol of love and power.
