When did Nefertiti live? Nefertiti Egyptian queen

Ancient Egyptian queen, wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep IV, known in history as Akhenaten. In 1912, poetic, delicate sculptural portraits of Nefertiti created by the master Thutmes were found in Amarna. Kept in museums in Cairo and Berlin.

One can only marvel at the unusualness historical fate Queen Nefertiti. For thirty-three centuries her name was forgotten, and when the brilliant French scientist F. Champollion deciphered ancient Egyptian writings at the beginning of the last century, she was mentioned quite rarely and only in special academic works.

20th century, as if demonstrating whimsicality human memory, raised Nefertiti to the pinnacle of glory. Initially, her bust was discovered by the team of Egyptologist L. Borchard and taken to Germany (where it is now kept); to hide it from Egyptian customs they specially smeared it with plaster. In his archaeological diary, opposite the sketch of the monument, Borchardt wrote only one phrase: “There is no purpose in describing, you have to look.”

Later in 1933, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture requested it back to Egypt, but Germany refused to return it, and Germany's Egyptologists were then banned archaeological excavations. World War II and the persecution of Borchard's wife due to Jewish origin prevented the archaeologist from continuing his research in full. Egypt officially demands that Germany return the exported bust of Nefertiti.

Nefertiti plays senet.

Recently it was discovered that the bust of the beautiful Nefertiti has late “plastic surgery” with plaster. Initially molded with a “potato” nose, etc., it was later corrected and began to be considered the standard of Egyptian beauty. It is not yet known whether the original image of Nefertiti was closer to the original and later embellished, or, on the contrary, subsequent modifications improved the inaccuracies of the original work... This can only be proven by studying the mummy of Nefertiti herself, if she is discovered. To genetic research in February 2010, Egyptologists speculated that Nefertiti's mummy may be one of two female mummies found in tomb KV35. However, in light new information this hypothesis is rejected.

Bust of a standing Nefertiti.

One of the archaeologists, who led excavations in Akhetaten for a number of years, writes about the legend local residents. Allegedly, in late XIX century, a group of people came down from the mountains carrying a golden coffin; soon after this, several gold objects with the name Nefertiti appeared among antique dealers. This information could not be verified.

Who really was the famous Nefertiti - “The Beauty Who Came” (as her name is translated)? Since the beginning of research and excavations in the ruins of Akhetaten (modern Tel el-Amarna) in the 80s years XIX centuries to date, not a single clear evidence of the origin of Nefertiti has been discovered. Only mentions on the walls of the tombs of the pharaoh's family and nobles provide some information about it. It was the inscriptions in the tombs and the cuneiform tablets of the Amarna archive that helped Egyptologists build several hypotheses about where the queen was born. In modern Egyptology there are several versions, each of which claims to be true, but is not sufficiently confirmed by sources to take a leading position.

Arthur Braginsky.

In general, the views of Egyptologists can be divided into 2 versions: some consider Nefertiti to be an Egyptian, others - foreign princess. The hypothesis that the queen was not of noble birth and accidentally appeared at the throne is now rejected by most Egyptologists. Legends say that Egypt has never before given birth to such a beauty. She was called "Perfect"; her face adorned temples throughout the country.

Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

According to the social status of her time, she was the “main wife” (Ancient Egyptian himet-uaret (ḥjm.t-wr.t)) of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty Akhenaten (c. 1351-1334 BC), whose reign was marked by large-scale religious reform. The role of the queen herself in carrying out the “sun-worshipping coup” is controversial.

Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

Egyptian women possessed the secrets of unusual cosmetic recipes, which were secretly passed on from mother to daughter; they were also skilled in matters of love, especially considering that they began to study at a very young age - six or seven years old. In short, there is a lack of beautiful women there was no such thing in Egypt; on the contrary, the entire ancient elite knew that a worthy wife should be looked for on the banks of the Nile. One day, a Babylonian ruler who wooed the pharaoh’s daughter was refused. Frustrated, he wrote an offended letter to his would-be father-in-law: “Why are you doing this to me? There are enough beautiful daughters in Egypt. Find me a beauty to your liking. Here (meaning Babylonia) no one will notice that she is not of royal blood.”

Among so many worthy contenders, Nefertiti’s ascent seems incredible, almost fabulous. She, of course, came from noble family, was (possibly) a close relative of her husband's wet nurse, and the wet nurse's rank in the Egyptian hierarchy was quite high. Possibly the daughter of the nobleman Aye, one of Akhenaten’s associates, later pharaoh, and probably cousin Akhenaten. In the royal palace, they preferred to take the closest relatives - nieces, sisters and even their own daughters - into harems in order to preserve the “purity of the blood.”

It must be said that Nefertiti’s husband stood out from the long line royal dynasty. The reign of Amenhotep IV went down in Egyptian history as the time " religious reforms". This extraordinary man was not afraid to fight with the most powerful force of their state - a priestly caste, which, through its mystical, mysterious knowledge, kept both the elite and the people of Egypt in fear. The priests, using complex cult rituals of numerous gods, gradually seized a leading position in the country. But Amenhotep IV turned out to be not at all the kind of ruler who gives up his power. And he declared war on the priestly caste.

By a single order, he, no less, abolished the former god Amun and appointed a new one - Aten, and at the same time moved the capital of Egypt from Thebes to a new place, built new temples, crowning them with sculptural colossi of Aten-Ra, and renamed himself Akhenaten, which meant "pleasing to Aten." One can only imagine what enormous efforts were required for the new pharaoh to change the consciousness of an entire country in order to win this dangerous war with the clergy. And, of course, as in any battle, Akhenaten needed a reliable ally. Apparently, he found such an ally - loyal, smart, strong - in the person of his wife - Nefertiti.

After marrying Nefertiti, the king forgot his harem; he did not let go of his young wife. Contrary to all rules of decency, a woman began to attend diplomatic receptions for the first time; Akhenaten did not hesitate to publicly consult with Nefertiti. Even when he went to check the outposts around the city, the pharaoh took his wife with him, and the guard now reported not only to the ruler, but also to his wife. The worship of Nefertiti has surpassed all limits. Her huge, majestic statues adorned every Egyptian city.

Temple of Nefertiti, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Egypt.

It is unlikely that Nefertiti’s immense influence on the pharaoh can be explained only by the art of love and irresistible beauty. One can, of course, assume witchcraft. But we will prefer a more realistic explanation of the success of the Egyptian queen - her truly royal wisdom and fanatical devotion to her husband, while we note that according to our concepts, the all-powerful Nefertiti was very young in age, or, more simply, just a girl.

Nefertiti with the gods and Amenhotep IV.

There were, of course, intrigues, envy, and intrigues of those who could not understand why a woman ruled the state and replaced high-ranking advisers to the pharaoh. However, the majority of nobles, as in all times, preferred not to quarrel with the ruler’s wife, and Nefertiti was showered with gifts and offerings from petitioners as if from a cornucopia. But even here the beautiful woman showed wisdom and dignity. She worked only for those who, in her opinion, could benefit her beloved husband, who could justify the trust of the pharaoh.

It seemed that Nefertiti’s happiness was immeasurable, but fate did not endlessly favor even the rare chosen ones. Trouble came from the direction from which it was not expected. An ancient Egyptian woman gave birth while sitting on two bricks. The midwives held her back. It was believed that birthing bricks would help ease childbirth and bring happiness. On each of them was carved the head of the goddess Meshenit, who helped the baby to be born. Every time, sitting down on the bricks, Nefertiti prayed to Aten to give them an heir. But in such a matter, unfortunately, neither ardent love for her husband, nor wisdom, nor the all-powerful gods could help. Nefertiti gave birth to six daughters, but the long-awaited son was still missing.

Akhenaten, Nefertiti and three daughters. Cairo Museum.

It was then that the envious people and enemies of the unfortunate queen raised their heads. The human age in Ancient Egypt was short - 28-30 years. Death could take the pharaoh away at any moment, and the state was then left without a direct heir to power. Well-wishers were found who introduced Akhenaten to a beautiful concubine, Kia. It seemed that Nefertiti's power had come to an end. But it's not so easy to forget yours old love, even if you want something new, more intense sensations. Akhenaten rushes from one woman to another: every now and then he goes from Kia’s chambers to his former beloved and every time a warm welcome awaits him. But Nefertiti, apparently, being a strong-willed, proud woman, could not forgive the betrayal. External courtesy could not deceive the pharaoh, he knew what it was capable of. true love. And he returned to Kia again. This did not last long. The chatter of the new concubine finally drove Akhenaten crazy - he had someone to compare his rival with.

Kia was returned to the harem. She tried to resist, called on her husband to return, and apparently fell into ordinary female hysterics. Only after the eunuch severely punished her with whips did she calm down, realizing that the royal favors had come to an end. They will never again be in the same relationship - Nefertiti and Akhenaten. Past love It was not possible to glue it together, but even in this situation, Nefertiti came up with a way out, demonstrating a truly statesmanlike mind. Nefertiti’s act will, of course, seem wild to us, but do not forget that we're talking about about Ancient Egypt. Nefertiti offered Akhenaten their third daughter, young Ankhesenamun, as his wife and she herself taught her the art of love, the love that always so fired up the pharaoh.

Daughters of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

The story is, of course, sad, but the circumstances turn out to be stronger than man. Three years later, Ankhesenamun was widowed. She was eleven years old, and she was again married to the great Tutankhamun. The capital was again returned to Thebes, the country again began to worship the god Amun-Ra. And only Nefertiti, faithful to her former passions, remained in Akhenaten, from which life was slowly and gradually leaving. It is known for certain that Nefertiti’s lips smelled of rust. Indeed, in the times of the pharaohs, beauties used a mixture of beeswax and red lead. And red lead is nothing more than iron oxide! The color turned out beautiful, but the kiss became poisonous.

The queen died, the city was completely empty, and they buried her, as she asked, in the tomb with Akhenaten. And after thirty centuries, her image seemed to rise from the ashes, disturbing our imagination and forcing us to think again and again about the mystery of beauty: what is it - “she is a vessel in which there is emptiness, or a fire flickering in the vessel?”

Tomb of Nefertiti. Lobby

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From the beginning of research and excavations in the ruins of Akhetaten (modern Tel el-Amarna) in the 80s of the 19th century until now, not a single clear evidence of the origin of Nefertiti has been found. Only mentions on the walls of the tombs of the pharaoh's family and nobles provide some information about it. It was the inscriptions in the tombs and the cuneiform tablets of the Amarna archive that helped Egyptologists build several hypotheses about where the queen was born. In modern Egyptology there are several versions, each of which claims to be true, but is not sufficiently confirmed by sources to take a leading position.

• Gilukhepa arrived in Egypt during the life of Amenhotep III and was given in marriage to him. The idea that Gilukhepa could be Nefertiti is currently refuted by evidence of her age.
• Younger sister Taduhepa (English) arrived early in the reign of Amenhotep IV Akhenaten. In defense of their hypothesis, scientists cite the meaning of the name Nefertiti “The Beautiful One has come,” which clearly indicates foreign origin. It is believed that Princess Taduhepa, upon arriving in Egypt, took a new name, as all foreign brides did. She was considered the daughter of the goddess of beauty.

Version about Egyptian origin

Initially, Egyptologists followed a simple logical chain. If Nefertiti is “ main wife Pharaoh,” she must be an Egyptian, moreover, an Egyptian of royal blood. Therefore, it was initially believed that the queen was one of the daughters of Amenhotep III. But none of the lists of the daughters of this pharaoh contains any mention of a princess with that name. Among his 6 daughters there is no sister Nefertiti - Princess Mut-Nojemet (Benre-Mut).

By the 14th year of Akhenaten's reign (1336 BC), all mention of the queen disappeared. One of the statues discovered in the workshop of the sculptor Thutmose shows Nefertiti in her declining years. Before us is the same face, still beautiful, but time has already left its mark on it, leaving traces of weariness over the years, fatigue, even brokenness. The walking queen is dressed in a tight-fitting dress, with sandals on her feet. The figure that has lost the freshness of youth belongs no longer to a dazzling beauty, but to the mother of three daughters, who has seen and experienced a lot in her life.

Bust of Nefertiti

Bust of Nefertiti, one of the most famous finds of Ludwig Borchardt

In 1912, the German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt discovered a unique bust of Queen Nefertiti in the sculptor’s workshop in el-Amarna, which has since become one of the symbols of the beauty and sophistication of ancient Egyptian culture.

Initially, her bust was discovered by the team of Egyptologist L. Borchard and taken to Germany (where it is now kept); to hide it from Egyptian customs they specially smeared it with plaster. In his archaeological diary, opposite the sketch of the monument, Borchardt wrote only one phrase: “There is no purpose in describing, you have to look.” Exported to Germany in 1913, the unique bust of the queen is kept in the collection of the Egyptian Museum in Berlin. Later in 1933, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture requested it back to Egypt, but Germany refused to return it, and then German Egyptologists were prohibited from archaeological excavations. The Second World War and the persecution of Borchard's wife because of her Jewish origin prevented the archaeologist from continuing his research to the fullest extent. Egypt officially demands that Germany return the exported bust of Nefertiti.

Recently it was discovered that the bust of the beautiful Nefertiti has late “plastic surgery” with plaster. Initially molded with a “potato” nose, etc., it was later corrected and began to be considered the standard of Egyptian beauty. It is not yet known whether the original image of Nefertiti was closer to the original and later embellished, or, on the contrary, subsequent modifications improved the inaccuracies of the original work... This can only be proven by studying the mummy of Nefertiti herself, if she is discovered.

Tomb

Nefertiti was not discovered or identified among the mummies already found.

Prior to genetic research in February 2010, Egyptologists had speculated that Nefertiti's mummy might be one of two women found in tomb KV35, such as mummy KV35YL. However, in the light of new information, this hypothesis is rejected.

One of the archaeologists, who led excavations in Akhetaten for a number of years, writes about the legend of the local residents. Allegedly, at the end of the 19th century, a group of people came down from the mountains carrying a golden coffin; soon after this, several gold objects with the name Nefertiti appeared among antique dealers. This information could not be verified.

Busts and figures of Nefertiti, Berlin, Egyptian Museum

Literature

• Mathieu M. E. During the time of Nefertiti. - M., 1965.
• Perepelkin Yu. Ya. The mystery of the golden coffin. - M., 1968.
• Aldred C. Akhenaten: king of Egypt. - London, 1988.
• Anthes R. Die Büste der Königin Nofretete. - Berlin, 1968.
• Arnold D. The royal woman of Amarna. - New York, 1996.
• Ertman E. The Search for the Significance and Origin of Nefertiti’s Tall Blue Crown. // Sesto Congresso Internazionale di Egittologia. Atti. Vol. I. - Torino, 1992, pp. 189-193.
• Müller M. Die Kunst Amenophis’III. und Echnatons. - Basel, 1988.
• Pharaohs of the Sun: Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Tutankhamen. - Boston, 1999.
• Samson J. Nefertiti and Cleopatra: queen-monarchs of Ancient Egypt. - London, 1985.
• Tyldesley J. Nefertiti: Egypt’s sun queen. - London, 1998.
• Solkin V.V. Nefertiti // Ancient Egypt. Encyclopedia. - M., 2005.
• Solkin V.V. Nefertiti: journey through the sands of eternity // New Acropolis . - 2000. - No. 3. - P. 12-18.
• Solkin V.V. Egypt: the universe of the pharaohs. - M., 2001.

Links

• Queen Nefertiti - “The Beautiful One Has Came.” Program “Echo of Moscow” from the cycle “Everything is so”

Filmography

• “Mysteries of history. Nefertiti: The Mummy Returns" Mysteries of History. Nefertiti: The Mummy Returns ) is a popular science film filmed in 2010.

Prominent figures of Ancient Egypt
Pharaohs of the Early Kingdom	Narmer Menes Khor Aha Jer Den Khasekhemui
Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom	Djoser Snofru Khufu Khafre Menkaura Sahura Piopi II
Pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom	Mentuhotep II Amenemhet I Senusret I Senusret III Amenemhet III
Pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom	Ahmose I Amenhotep II Amenhotep III Akhenaten Horemheb
Pharaohs of the 19th and 20th dynasties of the New Kingdom	Ramesses I Seti I Ramesses II Merneptah Setnakht Ramesses III
Rulers of the Late Period	Shoshenq I Piankhi Taharqa Psammetichus I Necho II Amasis II Ptolemy I
Queens	Neithotep Merneit Hetepheres I Nephret Meretites Henutsen Hetepheres II Meresankh III Hamerernebti II Khentkaus Iput Ankhnesmerira Ankhnesmerira II Nitocris Ashait Khentkaus II Neferu Menet Ita Nephrusobek Tetisheri Yahhotep Ahmose-Nefertari Ahmes Hatshepsut Menkhet, Menui and Merti Tiaa Tiya Taduhepa Kiluhepa Sitamon Isis (queen) Nefertiti Kiya Ankhesenamon Nefertari Merenmut Cleopatra VII
Cultural and scientific figures	Imhotep Hemiun Ineni Senmut Manetho Horapollon Amenhotep, son of Hapu Tanini
Military leaders, priests and courtiers	Ahmes, son of Ebana Rekhmir Amenemheb Amenhotep, son of Hapu Ujagorresent Potin Horemheb Djedhonsuefankh Masakharta Menkheperra Osorkon III Piankh Pinedjem I Pinedjem II Psusennes II Psusennes III Smendes II Takelot II Herihor Shoshenq II Shoshenq III Merira Ptahduauu Tefnakht I Haemuas Kagemni Ramose Rekhmira Chai Eye Amenemhet ( nomarch of Antinopolis) Amirteus Amirteus I Ankhtifi Irsu

For many centuries now, the face of this woman has been considered the standard female beauty, about which legends are written, because it is exquisite and spiritual. IN lately, a real boom has begun around the image of Nefertiti, as women turn to plastic surgeons with requests to copy the queen’s face shape. Women do makeup like the famous Egyptian maiden wore, and fashion designers create outfits, shoes and hats that also resemble Nefertiti’s outfits.

There are many versions of the origin of the Egyptian queen, but recently another, more recent version has appeared, according to which she was born in 1370, but not in Egypt, as previously thought. True, historians still cannot come to a common opinion in which country and family she was born.

It’s strange, but previously they did not pay attention to the name of the queen of Egypt, but Nefertiti, translated from the Egyptian language - the beauty who came, this suggests that she arrived in Egypt from another country. This means that the secret of her origin may be in her name, and the shape of Nefertiti’s eyes speaks of her, not Egyptian origin. There is a hypothesis that the father of the future queen was from Turkey, and her mother from Mitani. Most likely, it was from Turkey, in at a young age the girl was taken to the country of the pyramids as a gift to Amenhotep the third, and became one of the pharaoh’s many concubines. Women from the harem were supposed to give birth to children for the pharaoh and take care of him.

However, fate had its own way, since immediately after the arrival of the future queen in Egypt, old Amenhotep died, and according to the tradition of that time, all the wives of the pharaoh had to be killed and buried along with their owner. Unlike the others, Nefertiti was lucky, because the son of the late pharaoh, Amenhotep the fourth, fell in love with her. It was he who took a bold step at that time, left his father’s concubine alive, and eventually married her. It is clear that he was motivated by a fiery love for the girl, because it was not for nothing that he signed all his decrees with an oath eternal love to God and Nefertiti.

Even at a young age, the girl watched her husband and learned from him how to conduct government affairs. Already at the age of twenty, she was a virtuoso in political games Moreover, she had no equal in her ability to convince opponents in that distant time. She did what she wanted, her husband did not contradict her, but always indulged her in everything. Nefertiti convinced her husband to renounce his religion and accept the gods of her land, after which Amenhotep the fourth changed his name and began to be called Akhenaten, which means pleasing to Aten, that is, the newly proclaimed God of the sun. The pharaoh declared his wife his equal and ordered that any of her orders be carried out, thus Nefertiti achieved what she wanted, namely, she became a real queen with all the rights and power.

By her order it was built new capital countries, ancient temples were destroyed and persecution began against adherents of the old faith. The queen once a week went out onto the balcony of her palace, under which a crowd gathered, made fiery speeches, and then presented gifts to her subjects, throwing gold coins on the heads of the surprised Egyptians, while not forgetting to mention that these were gifts from the newly proclaimed solar God Aten.

However, in family life Problems began to arise, since Nefertiti bore her husband six daughters, and he needed an heir to the throne, so Akhenaten took another, young wife, who bore him a boy, the future Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Nefertiti was taken outside the city, where she lived for exactly a year, after which the melancholy Akhenaten returned her to the royal chambers, but they were not destined to live together for long. The expelled and oppressed religious priests united in groups and rebelled. The pharaoh was captured, his eyes were gouged out, and then executed. Nefertiti was the head of state for a few more days, after which she, too, was killed by the enraged fanatics of the old religion. They did not calm down even after Nefertiti’s death, first they plundered her tomb, and then mutilated her body and consigned it to oblivion for millennia.

And the secret of origin, power, and personal life Queen Nefertiti, still remains unsolved.

All the secrets of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti cannot be unraveled, but scientists around the world are making every effort to do this to this day. Despite this, on the basis of already found sculptural images, papyri and other artifacts of the ancient Egyptian era, it became possible to highlight some moments of this woman’s life.

The generally accepted biography of Nefertiti

According to some reports, it is assumed that future queen was from Mitanni and came from a fairly noble family. The birth dates back to 1370 BC. e. Her real name is Taduchela and at the age of 12 she was sent by her father to the harem of Amenhotep III for a significant amount of gold and jewelry. Soon the pharaoh died and, according to the traditions established at that time, all the wives were inherited by his successor Amenhotep IV. The beauty of Nefertiti or Nefer-Nefer-Aten attracted the attention of Amenhotep IV, who later received the name Akhenaten. At the same time, a marriage was concluded, and the concubine of the harem became a full-fledged co-ruler Ancient Egypt.

During her marriage, the ancient Egyptian queen took an active part in reforming the religious system and had influence on political relations between Egypt and other countries. Peculiar thinking, a sharp mind, authority and some cruelty were able to conquer the pharaoh, and he followed the advice of his young wife in many managerial matters.

During the entire period of marriage, Nefertiti gave birth to six daughters, but, unfortunately, the wife did not receive an heir. It is with this that historians associate Akhenaten’s remarriage with a young commoner named Kiya, who later bore him a son, known in history as Tutankhamun. Nefertiti became an exile and was given the care of her husband's son, but a year later she was brought back by her husband.

The union of Akhenaten and Nefertiti was restored, but soon after, the pharaoh was killed and the Egyptian beauty, at the age of 35, became the sole ruler, under the name of Smenkhkare. Her reign lasted no more than 5 years, which ended with the tragic death of the female pharaoh at the hands of the exiled priests. The body was mutilated, and her tomb was destroyed and plundered by vandals. Perhaps if the death had occurred under different circumstances, it would have been easier for historians to reconstruct the image of this woman.

The appearance of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti can be imagined from preserved sculptures and images. According to these data, the woman had a miniature and slim figure until the end of her life, and even the birth of six children did not affect her grace. Nefertiti had a clear facial contour and strong-willed chin, which was not at all typical for the native inhabitants of Egypt. Her black arched eyebrows, full lips and expressive eyes could be the envy of many women, even today.

Regarding psychological portrait Nefertiti, then it is formed very blurry.

According to some sources, the beauty was distinguished by her rebellious disposition and cruelty, while according to others, she was submissive and faithful wife, who supported her husband in everything. Perhaps the combination of absolutely opposite characters is the uniqueness of a unique personality ancient egyptian queen. Modern psychologists, analyzing data about Nefertiti, suggested the likelihood that the woman possessed certain qualities considered masculine at that time. In addition, assumptions about the high education of the queen, which was very rare for Ancient Egypt and was characteristic mainly only of men, were confirmed.

There are also various guesses about what attracted Akhenaten more to her: Nefertiti’s beauty, her inquisitive mind and wisdom, or mastery in the art of love. Indeed, throughout the entire marriage, even with the advent of a new young wife, the pharaoh did not let go of his ex-wife from your life and bed.

Myths or as yet unestablished facts about the life of Nefertiti

1. More recently, British scientists found a mummy whose appearance is almost completely identical external description ancient Egyptian queen. If this is indeed the case, then the assumption of early and tragic death Pharaoh's wife.

2. Nefertiti was not a foreigner, but was the sister of Amenhotep IV, who later became Akhenaten. This fact is quite real, since in Ancient Egypt marriages between brothers and sisters, as well as fathers, were completely legal and common. All this was done to prevent incest, but as history has shown, it led to the extinction of many dynasties.

3. After Nefertiti was relegated to the status of second wife, she never forgave her husband. In order to take part in lovemaking as little as possible, she taught one of her daughters the art of love. Thus, at the age of 11, the girl became her father's mistress.

4. The marriage of Nefertiti and Akhenaten was purely political and the pharaoh did not experience any reverent feelings for his wife. He was more interested in her sharp mind and cold prudence in various state issues. There is also an assumption about Akhenaten’s homosexual relationships and that his second wife Kiya was chosen precisely because of her great resemblance to the man.

5. Throughout the entire marriage, only Kiya lived in Akhenaten’s heart. Nefertiti could not cope with her rival, and the images of the scenes happy family were just a fake farce. After numerous attempts to win back her husband’s favor, Nefertiti came to her senses and began raising the common son of Akhenaten and Kiya, who was to become the husband of her own daughter.

6. Nefertiti was not at all a timid and obedient wife. She not only constantly influenced weak character husband, but also allowed herself to hold large number concubines. Moreover, her pride knew no bounds, and she could demand the destruction of all the relatives of the man who aroused any emotions in her.

Naturally, not all of the above assumptions should be taken as real facts, since they found 100% confirmation. In any case, the name of the ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti will remain in world history. With each generation there will be more and more scientists trying to uncover the secrets of this unique woman.

Photo depicting Nefertiti

Powerful pharaohs, majestic pyramids, and the silent Sphinx personify the distant and mysterious Ancient Egypt. Queen Nefertiti is no less mysterious and famous royal beauty of antiquity. Her name, covered with a halo of legends and fiction, has become a symbol of all that is beautiful. Who was the most mysterious and “perfect” woman of Ancient Egypt, exalted and identified with, the mention of whom at one point disappeared, like herself?

Egyptian Queen Nefertiti ruled alongside Pharaoh Amenhotep IV, better known to history as Akhenaten, more than three thousand years ago. The sands of time swallowed up that long period of history, turning everything that surrounded the queen into dust. But the glory of Nefertiti has survived centuries, pulled out of oblivion, she again rules the world.

In 1912, while in Egypt, Ludwig Borchardt, a German archaeologist, discovered the workshop of the sculptor Thutmes, as clearly evidenced by accumulations of stones of various types, plaster masks, unfinished statues, and a fragment of a casket with the name of the sculptor Akhetaten. A life-size bust of a woman made of limestone was found in one of the rooms. Borchardt smuggled him out of Egypt. In 1920, the bust was donated. They tried to reveal secrets and riddles about the life of the queen with the help of various hypotheses. We can say that since then her name has been covered in worldwide fame, which has not faded to this day. Interest in the fate of the queen also increased. For a long time There were only isolated mentions of it; not much information can be found even now.

There are many versions about the origin of Nefertiti. The scant information gleaned from references on the walls of tombs and inscriptions on cuneiform tablets in the Amarna archive became the basis for the development of many versions about the origin of the queen. “The Perfect One,” as she was called, was an Egyptian, but there are versions that claim she was a foreign princess. Egyptologists have built several hypotheses about its origin. Some researchers believe that she is the daughter of Tushratta, the king of Mitanni. She changed her real name Taduhippa when she married Amenhotep III. Nefertiti became a widow early, and after the death of her husband she was declared the wife of his son Amenhotep IV. Nefertiti captivated the young pharaoh with her incredible beauty. They said that she had not yet given birth to beauty, and soon she became the “main” wife of the ruler. This kind of confirmed the version of her Egyptian origin, because Egyptians usually had royal blood. It is likely that this could be the daughter of the pharaoh. It was also assumed that Nefertiti was the daughter of one of those close to Akhenaten’s court.

The queen amazed not only with her extraordinary beauty, but also with her endless mercy. She gave people peace, her sunny soul was sung in poems and legends. Power over people was easily given to her, Egypt worshiped her. Queen Nefertiti had strong will and the ability to inspire awe.

Ancient Egyptian papyri, drawings, and bas-reliefs indicate that her marriage to Amenhotep IV was ideal, a symbol of respect, love and cooperation. The all-powerful pharaoh went down in history as a religious reformer. He was an extraordinary man who declared war on the priestly caste. He called himself Akhenaten, “pleasing to God,” moved the capital from Thebes to Akhetaten, erected new temples, and crowned them with sculptural colossi of the new Aten-Ra. In pursuing this policy, the ruler needed a reliable ally, and Nefertiti became him. An intelligent and strong wife helped the pharaoh to refract the consciousness of an entire country and win victory in such a dangerous war with the mysterious clergy who subjugated Egypt. Queen Nefertiti attended diplomatic receptions. Pharaoh consulted with his wife in public. Sometimes she replaced his dignitary advisers. Nefertiti was worshiped; her majestic statues could be seen in almost every Egyptian city. Most often, she was depicted in a headdress, which was a tall blue wig, which was entwined with gold ribbons and a uraeus, symbolically emphasizing her power and connection with the gods.

There was also envy and intrigue. But no one dared to openly oppose the ruler’s wife; rather, on the contrary, Nefertiti was showered with offerings and gifts from petitioners. However, the wise queen helped only those who, in her opinion, could justify and deserve the trust of the pharaoh.

But fate, being the most unsurpassed director in human life, did not endlessly favor Nefertiti. The gods did not give her an heir to power. The queen only gave the pharaoh 6 daughters. It was here, not without the help of envious people, that a replacement for the reigning wife was found, power over the heart of the pharaoh passed to the beautiful concubine Kia. She was unable to keep the pharaoh near her for long, and it was difficult for him to choose between two women. From the outside former queen a warm welcome always awaited him, but the ostentatious courtesy did not deceive the pharaoh. The previous relationship between the strong-willed and proud Nefertiti and Akhenaten no longer existed. But she managed to maintain power over him. There are versions that it was Nefertiti, demonstrating her statesmanship, who offered Ankhesenamon, their joint third daughter, as a wife to Akhenaten; according to other versions, it was the eldest daughter Meritaton.

After the death of Akhenaten, their daughter was married to Tutankhamun, who moved the capital to Thebes. Egypt again began to worship Amun-ra and everything returned to normal. Only Nefertiti remained in Akhenaten, faithful to her husband’s ideas. She spent the rest of her life in exile. After the queen's death, at her request, she was buried in Akhenaten's tomb, but her mummy was never found. And the exact place of her burial is unknown.

However, her name, which meant “The Beautiful One has come,” is to this day the personification of all that is beautiful. A sculptural portrait of Queen Nefertiti, found at Amarna in 1912, as well as other delicate and poetic sketches created by Thutmes, the ancient master of Akhenaten, are kept in museums in Berlin and Cairo. In 1995, a sensational exhibition was held in Berlin that united the Egyptian collection, the center of which was Nefertiti and Akhenaten who met again.

Nefertiti became one of the most famous characters in the history of art, the personification of grace and tenderness, who discovered during the reign of Akhenaten emotional side art. Charm most beautiful queen gave artists an incredible opportunity to combine the beauty of art and life in one image.

The Queen of Ancient Egypt left behind many mysteries and secrets related to her life, which someone has yet to reveal.