My daughter, Aleah Jones, presents the final message of our Queen series…
Fashion and beauty have always been important to me. I take pride in my physical appearance, and while I do put effort into my appearance, I never want people to view me on a superficial level. As I’ve matured in my adulthood, I’ve learned to focus on more than just my outer appearance. Not only am I a beautiful woman, but I am smart, strong and talented, too. Naturally, I’m drawn to the history of Queen Nefertiti.
As the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, Queen Nefertiti and her husband ruled over Egypt from 1353 to 1336 B.C. Nefertiti was renowned for her captivating beauty, both in life and after death. Some historians have titled her as the most beautiful woman in the world. Even her name means “a beautiful woman has come.” But aside from being an icon of female beauty, she is also considered to be one of the most powerful women to rule over Egypt. This, in large part, is due to the effort the king made to present her as his equal.
It is interesting to note that historians speak of Akhenaten and Nefertiti ruling together. One reason for this may be due to the deformities Akhenaten had which hindered his role as king. He leaned on his queen, putting his trust in Nefertiti and allowing her to make important decisions for Egypt. Akhenaten made sure everyone knew how much he valued his queen. Her figure was placed on temple walls in the same size as his, and he even had her name placed next to his in his royal cartouche. In Egyptian reliefs, she is depicted as a powerful and authoritative figure. She can be seen wearing the crown of pharaoh, driving a chariot, leading worship, or attacking enemies in battle – all positions typically reserved for the king.
The king valued her importance, but he also revered his queen. Akhenaten and Nefertiti were said to be inseparable, and were often see riding in chariots together and kissing in public. Their legendary love is depicted in hieroglyphs and love poems he wrote to her. Akhenaten had a depiction of Nefertiti protecting his mummy carved onto the four corners of his sarcophagus – a role which traditionally was reserved for the female deities of Egypt. It is clear the king saw his queen as not only his equal, but his protector.
The story of King Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti’s reign brings my mind to the modern day quote “a king is nothing without his queen.” The king knew he had a strong woman by his side. Instead of forcing her into a submissive role, he valued her strength and presented her as his equal. Their relationship was a true partnership, which is something I think we all should look for in a mate.
Ladies, your king is going to be someone who builds your strengths and compliments your weaknesses. A man who truly values the woman you are, trusts in you, and wants to move you forward. After all, behind every strong man is an even stronger woman.
“On the left side of a strong woman stands a strong man; he is strengthened by her character.” ~ Ellen J. Barrier
Sources: 1. http://www.biography.com/people/nefertiti-9421166 2. http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/nefertiti 3. http://ohfact.com/interesting-facts-about-queen-nefertiti/ 4. http://www.ancient-origins.net/unexplained-phenomena/mysterious-disappearance-nefertiti-ruler-nile-001988 5. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nefertiti 6. http://kingtutone.com/queens/nefertiti/