Nefertiti

Nofretete Neues Museum

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Nefertiti Standing-striding Berlin

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Queen Nefertiti, Limestone relief

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Fragment with cartouche of Akhenaten, which is followed by epithet Great in his Lifespan and the title of Nefertiti Great King's Wife. Reign of Akhenaten. From Amarna, Egypt. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London

Unfinished portrait head of queen Nefertiti with sketches 01

Heads of Akhenaten and Nefertiti

Nefertiti (c. 1370 – c. 1330 BC) was an ancient Egyptian queen and the Great Royal Wife (chief consort) of Akhenaten, an Egyptian Pharaoh. Nefertiti and her husband were known for a religious revolution, in which they worshiped one god only, Aten, or the sun disc. With her husband, she reigned at what was arguably the wealthiest period of Ancient Egyptian history. Her name, which means "the beautiful one has come," symbolizes her influence and the era of her reign.

Early Life

Little is known about Nefertiti's early life. It is believed she was born to a high-ranking official and a lady-in-waiting or minor wife of Amenhotep III. Some theories suggest she was a foreign princess. However, these theories are speculative, and her origin remains a subject of debate among Egyptologists.

Rise to Power

Nefertiti married Akhenaten, then known as Amenhotep IV, around the age of 15. The couple had six daughters, and possibly a son, though the latter is a subject of controversy among historians. Upon ascending to the throne, Akhenaten initiated a series of radical and chaotic changes, especially in the realm of religion. Nefertiti played a significant role in these changes, evident from her prominent depiction in the art of the time, which was a departure from previous Egyptian art.

Religious Revolution

Under Akhenaten and Nefertiti, the worship of the traditional pantheon of gods was abandoned in favor of monotheism centered around Aten. This religious upheaval was accompanied by the construction of a new capital, Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna), dedicated to the worship of Aten. Nefertiti's role in this religious movement was significant, as she was often depicted in a position of power and authority, sometimes on par with the pharaoh himself.

Mystery of Her Disappearance

Towards the end of Akhenaten's reign, Nefertiti disappeared from historical records, and her fate remains one of the great mysteries of ancient Egypt. Some theories suggest she died, while others speculate she may have ruled as pharaoh under a different name, such as Neferneferuaten, after her husband's death. However, conclusive evidence supporting these theories is lacking.

Legacy

Nefertiti is perhaps best known today for her bust, discovered in 1912 at Amarna by the German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt. The bust is now housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin and is one of the most copied works of ancient Egypt. Nefertiti has become an icon of feminine beauty and power, symbolizing the complex history of ancient Egypt.

Cultural Impact

Nefertiti's legacy extends beyond her role in Egypt's history. She has become a cultural icon, representing beauty, power, and mystery. Her image has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, art, and film, making her a recognizable figure worldwide.

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