Royal Gods: Ahmose-Nefertari and Amenhotep I
Royalty were the representatives of gods on earth but sometimes became gods themselves
Gods among Men
In ancient Egypt, people believed Kings were divine representatives on earth, and chosen by the gods to protect and lead the country.
Wooden stela of NakhtefmutBritish Museum
Divine Spirit
When one king died, the divine spirit was transferred to the next king, who then became the reincarnation of the falcon-god Horus.
Fragment of painting from the tomb of Kynebu: Amenhotep IBritish Museum
Royal Ascension
Some royals, however, became gods in their own right, venerated as divine after their deaths. This was the case for two important royals during the New Kingdom, Ahmose-Nefertari and Amnehotep I.
Stela of the Sculptor Qen worshipping Amenhotep I and Ahmose-Nefertari Stela of the Sculptor Qen worshipping Amenhotep I and Ahmose-Nefertari (ca. 1279–1213 B.C.)The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Birth of the New Kingdom
Ahmose-Nefertari was a princess and the main wife of king Ahmose I, who drove the Hyksos out of Egypt and established the New Kingdom around 1550 BCE. Her son, Amenhotep I, became king after his two elder brothers died.
Stela Dedicated to the Deified King Amenhotep I and Queen Ahmose Nefertari (-1292/-1190)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Regent Queen
Since Amenhotep I became king while he was still young, his mother probably acted as co-regent, ruling in her son's stead until he came of age. What is certain is that she was very powerful and influential during her lifetime.
Head from a Statue of King Amenhotep I Head from a Statue of King Amenhotep I (ca. 1525–1504 B.C.)The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Establishing a Dynasty
During his reign, Amenhotep I continued the work of his father, Ahmose, maintaining his family’s rule across all of Egypt and rebuilding temples that had fallen into disrepair.
View of Deir el MedinaAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
The Workmen's Village
Both Amenhotep I and Ahmose-Nefertari are credited with founding the village of Deir el Medina, home to the workmen and artisans who built the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
Amenhotep I was the first New Kingdom ruler to commission these craftsmen to build his tomb and mortuary temple in Thebes, and gave the workers prominence.
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Revered Royals
Their influence was so great, it continued after their death. Ahmose-Nefertari and Amenhotep I were deified and worshipped in Deir el Medina as patrons of the village and are depicted in many of the tombs.
Fragment of painting from the tomb of Kynebu: Ahmose-NefertariBritish Museum
Symbolic Representations
Ahmose-Nefertari is often depicted with black or dark blue skin, representing the underworld, resurrection, rebirth, and fertility.
Stela Dedicated to Amenhotep I (-1189/-1069)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Objects of Worship
They were worshipped for centuries after their deaths. Many stelas, tombs, statues, and scarabs are dedicated to them and depict the royals or mention their names. Sherds of stone or pottery bear questions and requests directed at the deities.
Offering Scene in TT2bAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Divine Law
In Deir el Medina, Amenhotep I was also consulted as an oracle. People would present questions to the king's statue during processionals and the answers would be interpreted from the movement; "nodding" in approval, or "walking backwards" to say no.
Ostracon with Hieratic Inscription about a God - either Amen-Re or the Deified King Amenhotep I (New Kingdom, 19th or 20th Dynasty (1315 - 1081 BCE)) by UnknownLos Angeles County Museum of Art
Some questions were asked orally while others were written pottery shards like: Will I be promoted? Did my neighbor steal from me? Like us, the ancient Egyptians had many of the same everyday concerns.
It was the goal of all Egyptians to be resurrected and live forever. These two royals did not only rule over Egypt during their lives and help establish the powerful New Kingdom, but were also resurrected as gods to affect the lives of living in the afterlife.
Story by Tessa Litecky
This story was created in association with a museum exhibition and academic conference titled Exalted Spirits: The Veneration of the Dead in Egypt through the Ages, jointly organized by The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) , The American University in Cairo (AUC), and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) in Egypt.
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