# Nefertari

> ancient Egyptian queen consort

**Wikidata**: [Q210535](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q210535)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nefertari)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nefertari

## Summary
Nefertari was an ancient Egyptian queen consort who lived during the 13th century BCE and served as the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. As one of the most prominent queens of Ancient Egypt, she held significant political and religious influence during her lifetime.

## Biography
- Born: c. 1290 BCE
- Died: c. 1255 BCE
- Nationality: Ancient Egyptian
- Known for: Being the Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II
- Occupation: Queen consort, monarch
- Aliases: Nefertiry, Nefertari Meritmut

## Contributions
Nefertari's primary contributions to Ancient Egyptian civilization include her role as a diplomatic figure who corresponded with foreign powers, as evidenced by the Hittite archives that mention her. She commissioned the construction of her magnificent tomb, QV66, in the Valley of the Queens, which is considered one of the most beautifully decorated tombs in Egypt. The temple at Abu Simbel, dedicated jointly to her and the goddess Hathor, represents the first time a pharaoh built a temple for his queen, establishing a new precedent in royal architecture.

## FAQs
**What was Nefertari's relationship to Ramesses II?**
Nefertari was the Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II, making her the principal queen consort of Egypt during his reign. She held this prestigious position from the beginning of his rule around 1279 BCE until her death approximately 35 years later.

**Where is Nefertari's tomb located?**
Nefertari's tomb, designated QV66, is located in the Valley of the Queens near Thebes in Upper Egypt. The tomb is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved wall paintings depicting Nefertari's journey through the afterlife.

**Why is Nefertari's tomb significant?**
The tomb of Nefertari represents the pinnacle of New Kingdom funerary art, with its vibrant colors and intricate details earning it recognition as the "Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt." Its discovery in 1904 provided unprecedented insights into royal burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife.

**What monuments were built for Nefertari?**
Ramesses II constructed a temple dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor at Abu Simbel, carved directly into the rock face. This temple features colossal statues of Nefertari alongside those of the pharaoh, emphasizing her divine status and importance.

## Why They Matter
Nefertari's significance extends beyond her role as a royal consort to encompass her impact on Egyptian art, architecture, and international relations. Her tomb revolutionized our understanding of Egyptian funerary practices and artistic achievements, while her temple at Abu Simbel established new precedents for honoring royal women. The preservation of her name and titles across multiple monuments ensured that future generations would remember the importance of queens in Egyptian political and religious life. Her correspondence with foreign powers demonstrates that Egyptian queens wielded genuine diplomatic authority, influencing international relations during a crucial period of Egyptian expansion.

## Notable For
- Being the Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II, one of Egypt's longest-reigning pharaohs
- Having one of the most beautifully decorated tombs (QV66) in the Valley of the Queens
- Being the first queen to have a temple built in her honor at Abu Simbel
- Her tomb paintings are considered among the finest examples of Egyptian art
- The temple at Abu Simbel features statues of Nefertari at the same height as Ramesses II, an unprecedented honor
- Her name means "Beautiful Companion" in ancient Egyptian
- She held the prestigious title "Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt"
- Her tomb was discovered by Ernesto Schiaparelli in 1904

## Body
### Royal Status and Titles
Nefertari held numerous prestigious titles that reflected her elevated status in Egyptian society. As Great Royal Wife, she was the principal queen consort during Ramesses II's reign. Her full titulary included "Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt," "Great King's Wife," and "Beloved of Mut." These titles indicate her religious significance and political authority within the Egyptian court system.

### Diplomatic Role
Archaeological evidence from the Hittite archives at Hattusa reveals that Nefertari maintained correspondence with foreign powers. After the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE, she exchanged letters with the Hittite queen Puduhepa, helping to establish diplomatic relations between the two former enemies. This correspondence demonstrates that Egyptian queens played active roles in international diplomacy.

### Religious Significance
Nefertari served in important religious capacities, acting as the consort of the god Amun in temple rituals. She held the title "God's Wife of Amun," a position that gave her considerable religious authority. Her participation in religious ceremonies reinforced the divine nature of kingship and helped maintain the cosmic order (maat) that Egyptians believed essential for their civilization's survival.

### Artistic Legacy
The artistic representations of Nefertari set new standards for royal portraiture. Her tomb paintings depict her wearing elaborate garments and jewelry, with detailed hieroglyphic texts from the Book of the Dead. These images show her transformation into a divine being, emphasizing her worthiness to enter the afterlife. The quality and preservation of these paintings have made them invaluable for understanding Egyptian art and religious beliefs.

### Architectural Achievements
The temple at Abu Simbel dedicated to Nefertari represents a unique architectural achievement. Carved between 1264 and 1244 BCE, the smaller temple features six standing statues: four of Ramesses II and two of Nefertari. The facade includes carved reliefs showing Nefertari participating in religious rituals alongside her husband, emphasizing her divine status. This architectural precedent influenced later pharaohs to honor their queens through monumental construction.

### Burial and Afterlife
Nefertari's tomb (QV66) was designed to ensure her successful journey through the afterlife. The walls are decorated with scenes from the Book of the Dead, including the famous image of Nefertari playing senet, a board game that represents the soul's journey through the underworld. The tomb's construction and decoration required years of work by skilled artisans, reflecting the resources devoted to ensuring the queen's eternal existence.

### Historical Impact
Nefertari's prominence during Ramesses II's reign helped establish precedents for the political power of royal women in Ancient Egypt. Her diplomatic activities, religious roles, and architectural patronage demonstrated that queens could wield significant influence beyond ceremonial duties. The preservation of her monuments has provided modern scholars with crucial insights into New Kingdom politics, religion, and artistic achievements.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. CERL Thesaurus
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File