Nefertiti, the principal wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep IV (later Akhenaten), lived in the 14th century BC and remains one of the most captivating and mysterious figures in ancient Egyptian history. Despite the scarcity of concrete historical records, Nefertiti’s legacy endures through surviving images and texts, which offer various interpretations of her life, influence, and enigmatic end.
A Marriage of Dynasties
Nefertiti’s marriage to Amenhotep IV linked two influential families of the Middle Egyptian city of Achmim. Tiye, the wife of Amenhotep III and mother of Amenhotep IV, likely chose Nefertiti as her son’s bride, cementing the bond between these powerful families. While the exact date of their marriage is not documented, it likely occurred before Amenhotep IV ascended the throne in 1351 BC. Given that royal marriages typically took place at a young age, Nefertiti was probably between 12 and 16 years old when she married the young pharaoh.
Mother to Six Daughters
Shortly after their marriage, Nefertiti and Amenhotep IV welcomed their first daughter, Meritaten. Their second daughter, Meketaten, who tragically died around the age of 10, was also born in Thebes. Ankhesenpaaten, their third daughter and later the wife of Tutankhamun, may have also been born in Thebes. The royal family then moved to Akhetaten, a new royal residence in Middle Egypt built by Amenhotep IV in the fourth year of his reign to establish the worship of Aten, the sun disc. In Akhetaten, Nefertiti bore three more daughters: Neferneferuaten Tasherit, Neferneferure, and Setepenre.
Akhenaten and Nefertiti’s Religious Revolution
Amenhotep IV’s reign marked a significant religious transformation. In the seventh year of his reign, he changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning “pleasing to Aten,” and the royal family settled in Akhetaten. A notable artifact from this period is a family altar depicting Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and their three eldest daughters, illustrating the harmonious life of the royal family under Aten’s protection. This depiction also emphasizes Nefertiti’s high status, as she is shown at the same scale as Akhenaten and shares equal prominence in the royal cartouche.
Political and Religious Influence
Nefertiti’s role extended beyond that of a queen consort. The “Unification of the Two Lands” symbol on her chair in the family altar suggests she had significant political status, potentially equal to or surpassing Akhenaten. However, no written sources confirm that she held a higher position than her husband. Her prominent role likely stems from the new theological framework that positioned Aten as the sole god, with Akhenaten and Nefertiti forming a divine trinity alongside Aten. This theological shift allowed both Akhenaten and Nefertiti to communicate with Aten directly, either together or individually.
The Mystery of Her Death
The circumstances of Nefertiti’s death remain shrouded in mystery. Neither her mummy nor that of Akhenaten has been definitively identified. Scholars once believed that Nefertiti either died or was banished shortly after the 12th year of Akhenaten’s reign, as her name disappeared from subsequent texts. However, an inscription found in 2012 at an ancient quarry near Amarna dates to the 16th year of Akhenaten’s reign and mentions Nefertiti as the Great Royal Wife, suggesting she outlived her husband, who died in the 17th year of his reign.
Possible Reign and Legacy
Some theories propose that Nefertiti may have ruled briefly after Akhenaten’s death, possibly under the name Smenkhkare, although inscriptions do not confirm this. Smenkhkare is depicted with his Great Royal Wife Meritaten, Nefertiti’s eldest daughter, which complicates this theory. Additionally, while Nefertiti is often thought to be the mother of Tutankhamun, DNA analysis suggests that Tutankhamun’s mother was the “younger lady” from tomb KV 35 in the Valley of the Kings, identified as a daughter of Amenhotep III and Tiye, not Nefertiti.
Nefertiti’s life and legacy continue to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike. Her influential role in one of ancient Egypt’s most transformative periods and the enduring mystery surrounding her life and death make her a compelling figure in history.
