In the 13th century BCE, King's Wife Nefertari of Egypt helps orchestrate what seems impossible - peace and friendship between bitter enemies Egypt and the Hittite Empire.
The Battle of Kadesh (1274 BCE) is the best known of Egytian Hittite relations, a bloody confused conflict with massive losses and thousands of chariots involved.
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On the Egyptian side is Ramesses II, who becomes Pharaoh at the age of fourteen.
His youth is an invitation for dominant powers to attack in hopes of conquering Egypt, or at least fraying the edges.
Ramesses fights back, using strategy or sheer force of numbers to conquer the enemies of Egypt. By the time of Kadesh he's almost thirty and has an impressive reputation.
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He and his wife, Nefertari, marry as teenagers when Ramesses is still crown prince. Since the first year of his rule she's often depicted beside Ramesses. Nefertari has her first child at the age of fifteen, and ten more thereafter.
Although her background is obscure, Nefertari is a visionary woman who understands the responsibilities of rank from an early age. She teaches herself to read and write in several languages, including Akkadian, the official language of diplomacy.
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Nefertari communicates with local powers and rulers of the known world, winning praise of princes and people with her optimistic charm. Ramesses builds statues, a pyramid and temple for her.
Although he has several wives she takes precedence over all, with the title of 'Great Royal Wife'. Nefertari is known by several names including "Sweet of Love", "Great of Praises", "Mistress of Upper & Lower Egypt".
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Ramesses calls her "the one for whom the Sun shines." Another appellation, Nefertari Meritmut, means "the most beautiful among them; beloved of Mut." referring to the great Mother Goddess Mut of Egypt.
Images of Nefertari populate wall reliefs, carvings, sculpture and other artwork. She's attractive, and also ambitious. The rulers of Egypt are both mirrors and influences of the land, and she wants the land to thrive.
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Active in politics and foreign relations, Nefertari is no sheltered maiden. She cares greatly for Egypt, the Pharaoh and people. Her diplomacy and quick wit bring about strong connections and peaceful agreements.
Nefertari is associated with the sistrum or sistro, a tri-bar metal instrument which creates different sounds when shaken. It varies in tone from bell chime sounds to hearty clangs. It's most often seen in connection with Goddesses Hathor, Isis and Bastet. The sistrum is exclusive to women, except when the king makes an offering to Hathor.
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In some depictions Nefertari pays homage to the Gods and her patron Goddess Hathor by shaking the sistrum. The sacred instruments vary in shape, size, tone and decoration.
She corresponds with another great diplomat - Puduhepa, Queen of the Hittites. The women exchange warm greetings and it's known Nefertari sends gifts to the Hittite Queen. The two are delighted to find each other. In a world of war and brutality, both women value the prospect of peace and prosperity of the lands.
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With both royal women much beloved by their husbands, it takes just a little while to convince the rulers it's all their idea. The first peace treaty of the known world is signed in 1258 BCE between the powers of Egypt and the Hittite Empire.
Nefertari's temple is at Abu Simbel, a massive creation carved from the rock. She appears in colossal statuary as the Great Royal Wife beside Ramesses II. In 1255 BCE, three years after the Hittite/Egyptian peace treaty, Nefertari dies.
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Her tomb in the Valley of the Queens is lavishly created and decorated. Despite evidence of looting in antiquity, it's one of the most spectacular tombs in Egypt. Several grave goods remain.
Besides colorful frescoes the tomb contains amulets, jewels, embossed sheets of gold and a bronze pendant in lily shape. Servant figurines (shabtis) wait to attend Nefertari in the afterlife.
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