Nefertari

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’s 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’s pretty evident she was of high importance.  She must’ve played an important role in her time.  Most depictions of the queen stand with Ramesses II, which might mean she might’ve 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.

            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 to 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.