Not a Trophy Wife: (Re)Interpreting the Position Held by Queens of Kemet During the New Kingdom as a Political Seat

Abstract

This research examines various duties given to prominent Queens of Ancient Egypt that reigned during the New Kingdom from an Afrocentric methodological perspective. History indicates that such women were employed with various obligations that were the same as the King. Although the literature seems to take these facts for granted, this article asserts that the position held by Queens or “the Great Royal Wives” were in fact political posts—as was the King’s position—and that both were instrumental to Kemet’s sustainability and advancement.