Good morning and happy Sunday! I hope this finds everyone well. This past week was pact full of reading, writing, and more research and so I thought I'd share 5 interesting theories about the lady of the hour, the object of my fascination since I was a small child, the one, the only… Queen Nefertiti…
1. Queen Nefertiti’s mummy is still missing. Although there have been multiple claims that a multiple of unidentified mummies are her, it has never been proven.
2. No one knows how the Queen died. Again more speculation of how or what could have possible killed her. Durning her husband’s reign, the kingdom was in disarray and under threat of war by the Hittites, a kingdom from the North. She with her husband the pharaoh, Akhenaten (also known as the heretic King) demolished the Egyptian pantheon in favor of the single god, the Aten. Whether from an insurrection of people who wanted the old gods back, or by death in child birth (another theory) Nefertiti simply disappeared in year 12 of her husband's 17 year reign.
3. Another theory of Nefertiti’s disappearance was that she reinvented herself as the mysterious co ruler to Akhenaten, a shadowy figure named Smenkhkare. The few records from that time period tell of this figure appearing around the same time of Nefertiti’s disappearance.
4. Nefertiti had six daughters. Only three are recorded to have made it to adulthood. The eldest daughter, Meritaten is of particular interest. After Smenkhkare became the sole pharaoh over Egypt after Akhenaten's death, he/she took Meritaten as great royal wife. And, like her mother, Meritaten mysteriously disappeared.
5. No tomb for the queen has been found, but there are some theories that it could lie behind one of the walls of the burial chamber in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. (this last idea appeals to me and is the catalyst for the storyline of Lost Queen)
So what do you think happened to the infamous Queen? I'd love to know and hear from you.
If you have any questions or theories or just want to chat email me. karriebarnum@gmail.com
Books I’ve read…
This passed week was a tad light in the reading department, most of my extra time was devoted to researching Nefertiti and her eldest daughter, Meritaten. Two books I’ve found helpful with my research and that are just good interesting reads are: Amarna Sunset by Aidan Dodson and Temples, Tombs, and Hieroglyphs by Barbara Mertz
On a more personal note:
It is Columbus Day weekend and with it Fall Harvest Festivals! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t relish the thought of wandering around our local Botanical Garden with a cup of hot apple cider and looking at all the cool crafts people have displayed. (lovvveee the crafts and lovvveee doing crafts of all kinds)
And despite the one light frost we’ve had here in New England, my gardens are still looking good! And the turkeys... they are everywhere, strutting their stuff for the ladies. (the ladies on the other hand, not so impressed)
As always I hope you all have a wonderful upcoming week and look forward to hearing from you.
Bye! Karrie