These ancient artifacts honor Egypt's powerful queens
It wasn't uncommon for women to rule—to an extent—in this highly advanced civilization.
For centuries, the men of ancient Egypt have been the center of attention, but today women rule over ancient Egypt. A new exhibition, “Queens of Egypt,” at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., highlights the unique ways women wielded power in the land of the pyramids. With more than 300 ancient Egyptian artifacts on display—from shabtis from Queen Nefertari's tomb to statues depicting the leonine goddess of battle, Sekhmet—the exhibit shows the myriad ways that ancient Egyptians worshiped and respected fierce female leadership. (Attend a "Queens of Egypt" event.)
Kara Cooney, professor of Egyptology at the University of California in Los Angeles, provides insight into this phenomenon in her recently published book When Women Ruled, an inspiration for the new exhibit. Her examination of female power profiles six ancient leaders—Merneith, Neferusobek, Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, Tawosret, and Cleopatra—and the existing power structure that enabled them to rule thousands of years ago.
Cooney says that it wasn't out of respect for gender equality that women were tapped to rule. Often queens were tasked with protecting the throne for young male princes who were still too young to make decisions. Their steady hands could guide the nation as a way to transition power without shaking up the status quo of the patriarchy. "Indeed, when there was a political crisis, the ancient Egyptians chose a woman time and again to fill the power vacuum—precisely because she was the least risky option," Cooney wrote in a recent article for National Geographic.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
Environment
- What the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disasterWhat the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disaster
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- These were the real rules of courtship in the ‘Bridgerton’ eraThese were the real rules of courtship in the ‘Bridgerton’ era
- A short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looksA short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looks
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
Science
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
Travel
- Why this unlikely UK destination should be on your radarWhy this unlikely UK destination should be on your radar