Queen Aahotep

The queens of the 18th Dynasty are notable figures, among them is Queen Ahhotep (ca. 1590-1530 BCE). The dynasty was founded by her son Ahmose, with whom she shared power early in his reign.

Queen Ahhotep is credited with restoring order in Upper Egypt following the Second Intermediate Period, using military power. She rallied Egyptian troops against the Hyksos after both her husband and eldest son had fallen in battle.

Her military role was unique even among the 18th Dynasty queens, whose power, it has been argued, derived as much from changes in the religious establishment’s structure in Thebes as from their marriages to kings.

The military exploits of Queen Ahhotep were so extraordinary that it was said she must be “united with the limbs of Sekhmet”. According to the words of her surviving son, Ahmose, “she cared for her soldiers, she brought back her fugitives, gathered up her deserters, pacified the south, and expelled her rebels.”

The most significant changes in monarchical rules regarding women seem to have occurred during the reign of Queen Ahhotep. Most notably, Ahhotep was the first woman to take the title “Great Royal Wife.” From then on, the Great Royal Wife was appointed at the time of the King’s succession. She was crowned alongside her husband and became the owner of separate estates that had their own managers and advisers.

In her grand burial, weapons and golden military decorations were found. When French explorer Mariette discovered Queen Ahhotep’s jewelry, the French empress Eugenie attempted to acquire it for herself. However, Mariette firmly declined with a strong  “no!”.

Bibliography

Fletcher, J. (2003) Ancient Egypt: Life, myth and art. London: Duncan Baird Publishers.

Fletcher, J. (2009) Egyptian book of living and dying: Wisdom, magic and ritual; gods and pharaohs; earth and the cosmos; the underworld. London: Duncan Baird Publishers.

Freeman, C. and Ray, J. D. (1997) The legacy of ancient Egypt. Oxford: Andromeda Oxford.

Global and Book, G. (2005) Egypt: Land and lives of the pharaohs revealed. 1st edn. Australia: Global Book Publishing.