Hyksos
Queens of Ancient Egypt
Historians and archaeologists have studied ancient Egyptian civilisation for more than 200 years. Although many fascinating discoveries have been made, not all is known about Ancient Egypt and therefore some aspects of its history are based on surmised interpretations and occasionally incomplete factual evidence. When discussing the role, contribution and significance of the ruling queens of Ancient Egypt, it is important to note the bias that authors/scribes placed on most historical documents of this ancient period. Women, especially those of the Royal court and family, do appear in many Egyptian documents and inscriptions. However, only men in Egyptian society could become scribes and therefore male bias can make it difficult to investigate precise details of the lives of women. Through the study of documents, inscriptions and tombs, combined with the latest scientific techniques a picture of the life of the Egyptian women can take shape.
Royal Women were generally regarded as the equals of their male counterparts, with many queens enjoying great influence and prestige over the men and their kingdom.
One such queen was Tetisheri, who maintained political influence over the ruling men of the 17th Dynasty of Thebes.
Tetisheri was the commoner wife of the pharaoh Sequnenre Tao I who reigned during Hyksos occupation in the north, during 1594-1592. Her role in life was to raise the warriors of the Royal family who would eventually oust the Asiatics from the Delta. She was named “mother of the New Kingdom” because of her influence over its founders, her son Sequenenre Tao II and grandsons; Kamose and Ahmose, with the latter uniting who Egypt under one ruler and completing the liberation of Egypt through the expulsion of the Hyksos.
Not a lot is known about Tetisheri. However, we can assume she had great influence over her male relatives, especially Ahmose I, who, according a stela at Karnak, granted her a great estate and tomb with
Historians and archaeologists have studied ancient Egyptian civilisation for more than 200 years. Although many fascinating discoveries have been made, not all is known about Ancient Egypt and therefore some aspects of its history are based on surmised interpretations and occasionally incomplete factual evidence. When discussing the role, contribution and significance of the ruling queens of Ancient Egypt, it is important to note the bias that authors/scribes placed on most historical documents of this ancient period. Women, especially those of the Royal court and family, do appear in many Egyptian documents and inscriptions. However, only men in Egyptian society could become scribes and therefore male bias can make it difficult to investigate precise details of the lives of women. Through the study of documents, inscriptions and tombs, combined with the latest scientific techniques a picture of the life of the Egyptian women can take shape.
Royal Women were generally regarded as the equals of their male counterparts, with many queens enjoying great influence and prestige over the men and their kingdom.
One such queen was Tetisheri, who maintained political influence over the ruling men of the 17th Dynasty of Thebes.
Tetisheri was the commoner wife of the pharaoh Sequnenre Tao I who reigned during Hyksos occupation in the north, during 1594-1592. Her role in life was to raise the warriors of the Royal family who would eventually oust the Asiatics from the Delta. She was named “mother of the New Kingdom” because of her influence over its founders, her son Sequenenre Tao II and grandsons; Kamose and Ahmose, with the latter uniting who Egypt under one ruler and completing the liberation of Egypt through the expulsion of the Hyksos.
Not a lot is known about Tetisheri. However, we can assume she had great influence over her male relatives, especially Ahmose I, who, according a stela at Karnak, granted her a great estate and tomb with
Bibliography: ‘Ancient Egypt’ L.Oakes and L.Gahlin, Hermes House, London, 2002 Australia, 2002 “Studies in Ancient Egypt: Periods and Personalities.” J.Lawless (ed) et.al, Melbourne, 2000 “Studies in Ancient Egypt.” D.Hennessy (ed.) Thomas Nelson Australia Pty.Ltd, Melbourne, 1993