His daughter, Queen Ahmose-Nefertari, was married to her brother, Ahmose I, the founder of the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom. The royal couple bore several children, including Amenhotep I, who succeeded his father as king.
Ahmose-Nefertari was born in Thebes, likely during the reign of Senakhtenre Ahmose. Queen Ahmose-Nefertari was a lively participant, alongside her husband, King Ahmose, within the final defeat and ejection from Africa of the hated Hyksos invaders and occupiers. As such, she was considered a national hero and one among the outstanding figures in African history.
She ruled as a queen after her husband King Ahmose died, leaving his heir too young to rule. The new Kingdom therefore began on the strong shoulders of this powerful and shrewd woman, who made calculated decisions regarding religion and politics on behalf of her son.
She was powerful and influential during her lifetime, she maintained her power during the reign of her son, Amenhotep I. Both mother and son were venerated as a divinized couple by the Egyptians, especially in the Necropolis of Deir Al-Medina.
Ahmose Nefertari was the first queen to hold the important office of “God’s Wife of Amun”, effectively establishing her as the joint head of the priesthood of Amun. After death, Queen Ahmose Nefertari was deified and worshipped as a goddess of resurrection.
Ahmose Nefertari (circa 1570-1530 B.C.)
