The God’s Wives of Amun: Royal Power - 22nd - 26th Dynasty Egypt

Characterised by the rule of non-native Egyptian pharaohs/those of foreign extraction and the last native rulers of Egypt, this time period saw kings install their daughters into key positions in the Theban priesthood at Karnak. This was perhaps an attempt to bolster their authority. This study day will explore the roles these women played in cementing royal power, although at times they appear to augment kingly authority. They are highly visible in the archaeological record, leaving behind an impressive repertoire of statues, stelae, shrines built within the temple precinct of Medinet Habu, and chapels to Osiris at Karnak. It is assumed they were celibate due to their longevity, use of adoption to appoint their successor, and lack of reference to a mortal spouse.

Lecture 1: Libyan and Nubian spheres of influence (22nd – 25th Dynasty)

Pharaohs of the 22nd – 23rd Dynasty were of Libyan extraction, and it is here we begin to see once again the development and advancement of female royals in the Theban priesthood. Karomama, possibly the daughter of Osorkon II, held the title of Divine Adoratrice, Beloved of Mut, her successor was Shepenwepet I, daughter of Osorkon III. She is in post when the Nubian ruler Kashta extends his authority over Thebes. She adopts his daughter Amenirdis, so the succession continues, and she is installed at Thebes, while he rules from Napata (in Nubia). We will examine the roles these women and their successors played in strengthening royal power and consider if any elements of Libyan or Nubian cultural identity remained. We will review the duties they performed, the titles they took and how they were represented.

Lecture 2: Saite Rule (26th Dynasty)

Hailing from Sais, the 26th Dynasty pharaohs sort to restore Egyptian glory. Psametik installs his daughter Nitocris as God’s Wife of Amun, recording this on a stela, including her adoption from her Nubian predecessor. This lecture will examine the role Nitocris and her successor, the last God’s Wife of Amun, Ankhnesneferibre, played in the delicate balance of power of this time period. Both Nitocris and Ankhnesneferibre leave impressive statues and sarcophagi.

Links and articles will be sent out after the day school as appropriate.

Host or Publisher Dr Joanne Backhouse