The Office Of Amun: Women's Role In The New Kingdom

The office of the God’s Wife of Amun has changed significantly over the centuries. The evidence of the power which these offices held are best preserved from the Donation Stela and the Adoption Stela of Nitocris. It was during the New Kingdom when this office became significant with its economic and political power. This title was given and passed through the royal females such as the mothers or wives of the kings. It was during the life of Hatshepsut when this office was the most significant. After her death, the office never really reached back to its high as Thutmose III made sure the office will not be held by a royal woman during his reign. With new rulers, new worshipping of Gods occurred and Amenhotep IV even completely closed this office. It took many years until this office become significant again which happened in the Third Intermediate Period, even though this office was not the same as during the New Kingdom. The office of the God’s Wife of Amun was passed down through the daughters of the kings, and it was held by foreigners and this office also worshipped kinship which the 18th dynasty did not do.