The Great Nefertiti Essay

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Queen Nefertiti, the most powerful woman in Egypt since the Pharaoh Hatshepsut 100 years earlier. She was as influential as she was beautiful, being a partner in power with her king and husband, Akhenaten. Together, the couple co-reigned over Egypt attempting to completely transform Egyptian religion. Though little is known about Nefertiti’s early life, it is believed that she was born around 1390 B.C.E. in the royal city of Thebes. Some say she is of Egyptian blood while others believed her to be a foreign princess. The name Nefertiti means, “the beautiful woman has come,” and is of Egyptian origin. Evidence suggests that Nefertiti had an Egyptian wet-nurse or governess of noble rank, which is strong support for the belief that she …show more content…
Nefertiti continued this tradition by actively assisting Akhenaten in his attempt to convert Egypt to monotheism. Like the rest of the world, Ancient Egyptians believed in a multiplicity of gods and goddesses. Just as humans vary in power and status so did the gods. The worship of the gods at the top of the hierarchy was a state affair and was relatively unimportant to the common people. Each city had its own deity and there were also a number of minor gods and goddesses who were worshipped by ordinary people. An individual might feel a greater connection with one god than with another, but no one doubted the existence of the other gods. Akhenaten and Nefertiti decided to go against this tradition and convert Egypt to a monotheistic religion that would worship Aton, the Sun Disc God. Nefertiti was an enthusiastic supporter and a full partner in the process of spreading the new religion. It is clear that the king and queen truly believed in their new faith, but they left no further explanation for the strong opposition they felt against centuries of polytheism. (“Nefertiti.”)
As previously mentioned, Nefertiti was as dedicated to this religious reformation as her husband; pictured worshipping along side Akhenaten at religious ceremonies, attending state events, and even killing enemies of Egypt – usually a role
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