Queen Nefertiti (reigned 1353 – 1336 BCE)
Queen Nefertiti was Pharoah Akhenaten’s primary consort. The two reigned over one of Egypt’s greatest era of prosperity and wealth. She wasn’t born royal, but historians believe that instead of marrying exclusively for political or economic purposes, she and Akhenaten married for love. Images depict the couple playing with and kissing their children, a rare demonstration of affection. He further showed his love for her in how he depicted her in religious inscriptions. In these inscriptions she had a prestigious role in religious ceremonies alongside her husband, depicted on tomb walls and other monuments. When Akhenaten commissioned a colossal statue of himself, he ordered one of equal size for Nefertiti. This was a bold demonstration; Akhenaten was declaring her the “Great Wife,” second only to himself.