Queen Nefertari

June 22, 2022 · by Dano · in Egypt

Almost as well known as her husband, King Ramesses II, Queen Nefertari not only has a tomb in the Valley of the Queens, but also a temple next to her husband in Abu Simbel. She was truly King Ramesses II favorite wife. Maybe it’s because she bore 6 (or possibly 8) children to him, maybe because she was considered very beautiful, maybe because she was his true love, whatever the reason, she became known as “beauty of all beauties”.

Queen Nefertari playing “senet net hab” a game where you try to move your 5 pieces to then end of the board first.

Queen Nefertari being led by the Goddess Hathor to the after-life

Anubis protecting the Queen’s tomb

Anubis “angered” by people entering the Queen’s tomb

She was one of the best known of the Egyptian queens, next to Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Hatshepsut. Her tomb, QV66, is the largest, most lavishly decorated and spectacular in the Valley of the Queens. She married Ramesses at age of thirteen, who was himself only fifteen, before he became pharaoh. She was the most important of his eight wives for at least the following twenty years. She died sometime during the 25th year of the reign of Ramesses, the reason for her death remains uncertain.

The tomb was closed to the public in early 1980 due to damage from mold, spores and moisture from visitors’ breath. A restoration effort was undertaken in late 1980’s but the tomb remained closed to the general public. Entry was allowed for 20 people per day at a cost of $3,000USD per person. Late in 2003 the tomb was again opened to the general public only to have mold resurface from the moisture laden breath of the visitors. Again, the tomb was closed.

Then in 2003, the tomb was reopened but restricted to 150 people per day. This time the cost was around $90USD each. This policy is somewhat in effect today but very loosely monitored. Our Luxor Pass included entry to this tomb as well as all others.

As with most tombs, the writings on the wall do not depict Nefertari’s life but her journey to the after-life. The inscriptions are taken from the Book of the Dead with various chapters and “spells” noted that relate to her status and need to ascend. The decorations, paintings, spells and writings cover almost every square inch of this magnificent tomb. She was truly loved by her Pharaoh.