Nefertari Women In Ancient Egypt

Nefertari married at the young age of 13. She married 15-year-old Ramses II, who later become known as the famous Ramses II the Great. Nefertari was likely a noblewoman, but not a member of the royal family. It is thought that she may have been a cousin or younger sister of Nefertiti. Nefertari lived in Egypt from the year 1295-1255 BC and during her lifetime she had at least five children. One of which was Ramses first child.
According to Egyptian tradition, Ramses II most likely practiced Polygamy. This would allow him to marry numerous women at the same time. However, Nefertari was known as the “King’s Principal Wife”. This meant she had the highest status among the wives. Additionally, as the Principal Wife she was given special symbols, dress and she was allowed to wear the Royal Vulture Crown. Nefertari also played an active role in court affairs, foreign affairs and politics. She would participate in both civil and religious ceremonies and accompanied Ramses II on important journeys.
Nefertari is also shown in statues as being equal in size to Ramses II, a rarity. The size of her statue indicates her as equal importance to the pharaoh. Additionally, in her tomb she is painted with red skin. This is different from normal Egyptian women who are painted yellow. Her skin matches the gods not goddesses in her tomb. Also, skin color was a sign of what class they were in. Darker skin normally represented those who worked in the sun (peasants). Nefertari’s dark skin may be symbolic of her work in the public, which was different from most women in her