Dr. Zahi Hawass explains the role of women in Pharaonic Egypt
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Ancient Egyptian women were represented by a number of goddesses, such as the goddess “Isis” who was the goddess of fertility and worshipped as the ideal mother, the goddess “Hathor” who personified motherhood and was worshipped as a protector, “Sekhmet” the warrior goddess, and “Bastet” the protector goddess. Upper Egypt also worshipped its own patron goddess “Nekhbet” while Lower Egypt worshipped the patron goddess “Wadjet.” This represents the religious aspect; however at the political level the wife of the pharaoh also played an important role with regards to the continuation of the royal line, while ancient Egyptian princesses could also politically increase the strength of the ruling family through marriage.
Pharaonic Queens bore the burden of rule and raising their young children and teaching them to govern, for example Queen-Consort “Ankhesenpepi II” the mother of Pharaoh “Pepi II” ruled in her son’s name until he was old enough to take power.
Queen “Khentkaus II” also acted as regent for her two young sons Pharaoh “Neferefre” and his successor “Nyuserre Ini” protecting the throne until the latter came of age. Prior to this, Queen “Nimaethap” played as regent and for her protection of the throne for her son Pharaoh “Djoser” the first King of the Third Dynasty.
Throughout ancient Egypt’s history, the names of just a few ruling Queens have been made known, with the great Queen “Hatshepsut” – who became a legend amongst ancient women – enjoying the longest and most successful reign. Hatshepsut ruled over an Egyptian golden age during which ancient Egypt was unrivalled in power in the Near East.
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