Queen Tiye was from Upper Egypt. Images of her and her role in ancient Egyptian history is often omitted, precisely because she is unmistakably Black and African. She single-handedly debunks the theory that ancient Kemet(Egypt) was a non-black, non-African society. Many Egyptologists and scholars initially tried to claim that she was born in Nubia, and was not of “Egyptian blood.”
Information about Queen Tiye
Tiye, also known as Tiy, lived during the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt from 1398 to 1338 BC. She held the esteemed title of queen as the wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Renowned as the mother of Akhenaten and grandmother to Tutankhamun and Ankhsenamun, Tiye wielded significant influence within the royal courts of both her husband and son.
Her diplomatic prowess extended beyond Egypt’s borders, as evidenced by her direct communication with foreign rulers, as documented in the Amarna letters. Particularly during her son’s reign, Tiye garnered high regard from these rulers, highlighting her diplomatic skill and political acumen.
Despite her adherence to Egypt’s traditional polytheistic religion, Tiye supported her son Akhenaten’s radical monotheistic reforms. It is speculated that she saw these reforms as strategic maneuvers to consolidate the throne’s power, potentially at the expense of the influential priesthood of Amun.
Tiye passed away in her early sixties and was interred in the prestigious Valley of the Kings. Archaeological findings have positively identified her mummy as the ‘Elder Lady,’ further cementing her historical significance. Additionally, a poignant connection to her grandson Tutankhamun was discovered, with a lock of her hair found in his tomb, hinting at a cherished bond between them.
A Brief Overview of the Rollercoaster Life of Queen Tiye
The information about Tiye’s parentage and upbringing varies among scholars. According to some, like Margaret Bunson, Tiye’s father was Yuya, a provincial priest from Akhmin, and her mother was Tjuya, a servant of the queen mother, Mutemwiya. Others suggest that Yuya held the position of Master of the Horse of the royal court and Tjuya was a priestess. Despite growing up in the royal palace, Tiye herself was not of royal blood. She had a brother named Amen, who later assumed their father’s role and became high priest of the cult of Akhmin. There’s also speculation about another brother, Ay, who would go on to rule Egypt.
Tiye’s parents’ names have raised questions, with some proposing they may have been of Nubian origin, given the non-Egyptian-sounding names. Scholars note the Nubian custom of female rulers, suggesting Tiye may have felt empowered to wield authority similar to male rulers due to her upbringing. However, others dispute this theory, arguing that women in ancient Egypt held significant rights and status, so Tiye’s behavior need not be attributed to Nubian influence. Egyptologist Zahi Hawass refutes the idea of Nubian heritage, stating that Yuya and Tjuya were associated with the clergy in Akhmin and served Egyptian deities.
It’s suggested that Tiye married Amenhotep while he was still a prince, possibly around the age of 11 or 12. When Amenhotep III ascended the throne, Tiye assumed her role as queen alongside him. Tiye’s remarkable influence and power at court exceeded that of previous queens, a fact attributed to her family’s prestigious connections and her own abilities.
