Another member of this group said, in a previous note on this forum, that Nefertiti was by far the most influential woman in Egyptian history. I have to disagree with that opinion. While she was the most influential woman of her time, the Amarnan era, she had no more influence than one of her antecedents, Hatshepsut. Other women of Egyptian history have had greater influence. Ahhotep, the mother of Ahmose, was one. Evidence suggests that she not only was a queen but a military leader as well. Ahhotep also had a very big hand in the reformation of Egypt as an independant political entity. Hatshepsut, also had greater influence as a head of state. During her rule, Egypt enjoyed prosperity that it hadn't seen in many years. The state was stable economically and was also stable politically. One woman who is frequently overlooked is Khentkaues I. She not only was a co-founder of the 5th Dynasty, but may have been a regent for one or more of the Kings of that time. She merited a spectacular monument in Giza, along with a vast mortuary cult. Khentkaues II of the 5th Dynasty also enjoyed a similar size of influence. If we go back to the New Kingdom, Ahmose Nefertari was one of those women whose influence continued long into the era. It's really unfair to say that Nefertiti was the most influential woman in Egypt as others had equal or better influence. Unless, you count that she had the most indluence in nearly destroying the state.

It's also not totally accurate to say that Akhenaten was "fragile" and wholly under Nefertiti's thumb. Indications are that he was a fanatical autocrat and was responsible for an atrocity or two.






MH.