Queen Nefertari, Egyptian queen of the XIX dynasty, universally known for the beautiful tomb in which she was buried in the Theban necropolis.
The Great Royal Wife of Ramses II the Great was one of the most powerful pharaohs. She played an important role as a royal wife, being endowed with a brilliant political mind.
Queen Nefertari was one of the most remarkable and compelling ladies of her time. She was married to Ramses the Incomparable, one of the most remarkable pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
Together, they controlled an immense domain and conquered many lands. Nefertari was a talented representative and a specialist in trade and commerce.
She also managed the development of numerous shrines and monuments. The sovereign Nefertari was loved by her relatives and respected by her enemies. She was a strong ruler who left an enduring legacy.
Her origins are unknown although surrounding this queen is her birthplace and her family.
Her husband, the future pharaoh Ramses II, was very careful to hide them, although it is clear that the veneration she had in life, as well as some of her titles, demonstrate a noble origin, if not royal.
Nefertari was related to the extinct XVIII dynasty, which also seemed to corroborate her own name, heir to the already deified matriarch, Queen Ahmose-Nefertari.
It is likely that Nefertari came from the southern city of Ajmin, and that Ay, whose name was being persecuted by the pharaohs of the XIX dynasty, including Ramses II himself, could have been her great-grandfather, grandfather or uncle.
Nefertari married Crown Prince Ramses when they were both still in their teens, around the age of fifteen. In those years Ramses had not yet been appointed co-regent and was already married to another woman, Isis-Nefert, whose role Nefertari would soon displace. and was one of the most adored and well-known rulers of Egypt during her time. She was known for her magnificence, insight, and generosity.
Sovereign Nefertari had six daughters with Ramses II, and raised them with adoration and care. Sovereign Nefertari was a committed wife and mother, and she was also a benefactor of human expression.
She built shrines and supported scholars, authors, and artists. Sovereign Nefertari was adored by her family and is still remembered today as one of Egypt’s most incredible sovereigns.
Nefertari was covered in the Valley of the Sovereigns in a burial chamber that is considered one of the most beautiful in all of ancient Egypt. Her burial chamber, known as QV66, is enhanced with striking canvases and reliefs that tell the story of her life. The burial chamber of Nefertari is perhaps one of the most visited monuments in Egypt today.
Of the more than one hundred tombs found so far in the Valley of the Queens, the most important is undoubtedly that of Queen Nefertari, discovered in 1904 by the Italian archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli.
The structure of the tomb, with rooms, descending corridors, burial chambers, and annexes, reflects the itinerary of the deceased on his journey to become a divinity.
Nefertari’s tomb is accessed by descending a stepped ramp leading to an antechamber, the walls of which are decorated with scenes from Chapter XVII of the Book of the Dead.
Before going deeper into the tomb, a vestibule opens in the eastern part of the antechamber, where Nefertari is represented being received and presented to the gods Neit, Horus, Ra-Haractes, and Hathor-Imentit. Also, to the east of the vestibule opens an adjoining room, called “side chamber” by Schiaparelli, on whose walls represent several chapters of the Book of the Dead and evoke the eternal cycle of life.
Ramses II’s central ruler was Nefertari, and she may well be one of the most popular Egyptian queens, with her image appearing on the walls of the sanctuary more than any other ruler. She was also perhaps one of the most beloved, as confirmed by the seductive depiction and sculptures traced in her burial chamber.
Nefertari was not of illustrious blood, but she was probably a lady of extraordinary excellence and character to have caught the heart of the strong Ramses II. The couple had about six children together, including two boys who could become pharaohs.
Although we have almost zero familiarity with her life, the sovereign Nefertari left an enduring legacy. Her burial place in the Valley of the Sovereigns is one of the most beautiful and saved burial sites in ancient Egypt.
A well-deserved recognition of a sovereign so cherished throughout life and who remains a towering figure to this day.
Nefertari, also called The Incomparable Wife, was the chief ruler of the nineteenth line of Egypt. She was the most beloved wife of Pharaoh Ramses II and her name implies Delightful Sidekick.
Nefertari was naturally introduced to an honorable family and it is remembered that she had a sister who was also married to a lord.
Choose one of the best Vacation Packages to Egypt