Famous Egyptian Empresses & Queens

Fawzia Fuad of Egypt was an Egyptian princess who became Queen of Iran as the first wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran. Her marriage to the Iranian Crown Prince was a political move that solidified Egyptian power in the Middle East and brought respectability to the new Iranian regime. After obtaining an Egyptian divorce, she lived in isolation post the 1952 Egyptian revolution. Fawzia later married an Egyptian diplomat and had two children. She never published her memories of the courts of Iran and Egypt.

Ankhesenamun was a prominent queen during the 18th Dynasty of Egypt, known for her significant role as the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. She navigated the changing landscape of ancient Egyptian religion following her father's death, with her youth extensively depicted in reliefs and paintings. Speculation around her marital history includes a possible brief union with Tutankhamun's successor, Ay. Recent DNA testing on mummies from KV21 has fueled theories that Ankhesenamun may be one of the late 18th Dynasty queens buried in that tomb, further solidifying her legacy within the ruling house.

Tiye was a prominent figure in ancient Egypt, known for her influential role as the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. She played a significant part in the political and religious affairs of the kingdom, exerting her power and influence as a queen mother. Tiye's wisdom and diplomacy contributed to the stability and prosperity of Egypt during her time. Her legacy as the mother of Pharaoh Akhenaten and grandmother of Pharaoh Tutankhamun further solidified her place in history as a respected and powerful queen.

Arsinoë IV played a significant role in the political landscape of Ptolemaic Egypt, serving as queen and co-ruler alongside her brother Ptolemy XIII. She was involved in military actions such as the siege of Alexandria against her sister Cleopatra. Following her defeat, she was taken as a prisoner of war to Rome by Julius Caesar. Later, she was exiled to the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus in Roman Anatolia where she was ultimately executed on the orders of Mark Antony at the request of Cleopatra VII.

Nefertiti was a queen of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt and the great royal wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Known for promoting Atenism, the earliest form of monotheism, she played a key role in the radical overhaul of state religious policy alongside her husband. Nefertiti and Akhenaten reigned during one of Egypt's wealthiest periods. After her husband's death, there is debate among scholars about whether she briefly ruled as a female king before Tutankhamun's ascension. Her reign may have seen the fall of Amarna and the relocation of the capital back to Thebes.

Maathorneferure was a prominent figure in ancient Egyptian society who held a high-ranking position, likely within the royal court or administration. As part of the elite bureaucracy, Maathorneferure would have played a key role in coordinating various activities such as mineral exploitation, construction projects, and trade. Working under the authority of the pharaoh, Maathorneferure would have collaborated with scribes, religious leaders, and administrators to ensure the unity and cooperation of the Egyptian people.

Sobekneferu was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt, the last ruler of the Twelfth Dynasty. She asserted legitimacy through her father Amenemhat III. Her reign lasted 3 years, 10 months, and 24 days. She adopted the full royal titulary, distinguishing herself from prior female rulers, and was the first ruler associated with the crocodile god Sobek. Evidence for her reign is scarce, with few statues and inscriptions found. The Northern Mazghuna pyramid was possibly intended for her, but the monument was abandoned with only the substructure completed.

Cleopatra Selene II was a prominent royal figure during the early Augustan age, holding significant political power as Queen of Numidia, Mauretania, and Cyrenaica. She played a crucial role in governing Mauretania, focusing on trade and infrastructure development, leading to the country's prosperity. Selene's marriage to Juba II further solidified her influence, and their descendants continued to hold sway in both Ptolemaic and Roman circles for generations. Her professional career was marked by strategic decision-making and effective governance, contributing to the wealth and stability of her realm.

Cleopatra Selene of Syria was a strategic and influential queen consort and monarch who navigated complex political alliances and marriages to maintain power and influence in Egypt and Syria. She played key roles in dynastic marriages and political maneuvers, marrying multiple rulers in both kingdoms. Despite facing challenges and civil wars, she asserted her authority and control over coastal towns, ultimately meeting a tragic end at the hands of Armenian king Tigranes II in 69 BC.

Cleopatra I Syra was a prominent figure in the Seleucid Empire and Ptolemaic Egypt. She became Queen of Egypt through marriage to Ptolemy V and later served as regent during the minority of her son, Ptolemy VI. Cleopatra I played a crucial role in the governance of Egypt after her husband's death, maintaining stability and overseeing the administration of the kingdom. Her leadership and political acumen were instrumental in navigating the challenges faced by Egypt during her regency.

Berenice II Euergetis was queen regnant of Cyrenaica and co-regent queen of Ptolemaic Egypt. Known for her active participation in government, she played a key role in the re-incorporation of Cyrenaica into the Ptolemaic empire. Berenice was honored in the Ptolemaic state cult alongside her husband and worshipped as a goddess in her own right. Her most famous act was sacrificing her hair as a votive offering, leading to the naming of the constellation Coma Berenices. Tragically, she was murdered shortly after her son's ascent to the throne.

Hetepheres I held a prominent position as a queen of Egypt during the Fourth Dynasty, playing a crucial role in connecting two dynasties through her familial relationships. Her professional life was marked by her status as a wife to one king, a mother to the next king, and a grandmother to two more kings. Through her strategic alliances and influence, she contributed to the continuity and stability of the Egyptian monarchy during her time.

Arsinoë II of Egypt was a prominent figure in the Ptolemaic Kingdom as a queen and co-regent. She held the Egyptian title "King of Upper and Lower Egypt" and was recognized as a pharaoh. Through her marriage to King Lysimachus, she became Queen of Thrace, Anatolia, and Macedonia. Upon marrying her brother, Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus, she gained power and influence as co-ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Her professional life was characterized by strategic marriages that expanded her sphere of influence and authority.

Cleopatra II Philometor Soteira was a queen of Ptolemaic Egypt who co-ruled with two successive brother-husbands and her daughter, often in rivalry with her brother Ptolemy VIII. She shared power with Ptolemy VI Philometor during her first reign until 164 BC and then with Ptolemy VI again until his death in 145 BC. Subsequently, she co-ruled with her younger brother, Ptolemy VIII, and her daughter Cleopatra III. Cleopatra II also had a sole rule of Egypt from 131 BC to 127 BC and a final reign in coregency with Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra III from 124 BC to 116/115 BC.

Berenice IV Epiphaneia was a Greek princess and Queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty who briefly ruled Egypt during her father's exile to Rome. She may have shared power with her mother or sibling before becoming the sole ruler. However, her reign was cut short when her father returned with Roman military support, leading to her overthrow and execution. Despite her brief tenure, Berenice IV's time as ruler of Egypt left a mark on the country's history and politics during this tumultuous period.

Berenice III, also known as Cleopatra, ruled Ptolemaic Egypt as queen consort or queen regnant alongside her uncle/husband Ptolemy X Alexander I. She later reigned as the sole monarch of Egypt. Her professional life was marked by political alliances, power struggles, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. Berenice III demonstrated leadership and strategic decision-making during her time on the throne, navigating the challenges of governance and asserting her authority as the ruler of Egypt.

Arsinoe III Philopator was Queen of Ptolemaic Egypt and played a significant role in the political affairs of the kingdom during her reign from 220 to 204 BC. She was known for her strategic alliances and diplomatic skills, which helped maintain stability within the Ptolemaic dynasty. Arsinoe III actively participated in court politics, supported her husband, King Ptolemy IV, and was involved in key decision-making processes. Her reign was marked by her influence in governance and her efforts to strengthen the position of the royal family.

Berenice I of Egypt was a prominent figure in the Ptolemaic dynasty, serving as Queen of Egypt through her marriage to Ptolemy I Soter. She played a crucial role in the administration and governance of Egypt, actively participating in political affairs and decision-making processes. Berenice I was known for her diplomatic skills and strategic alliances, which helped strengthen the position of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Her contributions to the kingdom's stability and prosperity solidified her legacy as a respected and influential queen in Egyptian history.

Cleopatra V was a Ptolemaic Queen of Egypt, known for her role as the wife of Ptolemy XII. She was the mother of Berenice IV and likely Cleopatra VII. Cleopatra V's life is marked by political intrigue, as she may have co-ruled Egypt during her husband's exile. Her fate remains unclear after 57 BC, with historical records becoming sparse. Her daughter Berenice IV was eventually overthrown, leading to the restoration of Ptolemy XII's rule with the assistance of Roman forces.

Cleopatra Thea was a prominent ruler of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire, serving as queen consort of Syria and wife to three Syrian kings: Alexander Balas, Demetrius II Nicator, and Antiochus VII Sidetes. Following the death of Demetrius II Nicator, she assumed sole rule over Syria, sharing co-regency with her son Antiochus VIII Grypus. Cleopatra Thea's professional life was characterized by her influential role in governing and maintaining stability within the Seleucid Empire during a tumultuous period in history.

Cleopatra III of Egypt was a queen who ruled alongside her family members from 142 to 101 BC. She held various titles such as Cleopatra Euergetis, Cleopatra Philometor Soteira, and Kokke during her reign. Known for her strategic partnerships with her mother, husband, and sons, Cleopatra III played a vital role in the governance and administration of Egypt. Her leadership during different periods showcased her political acumen and ability to navigate complex familial and dynastic relationships to maintain stability in the region.

Arsinoe I, queen of Egypt, was known for her active involvement in the political affairs of the kingdom during her marriage to Ptolemy II Philadelphus. She played a significant role in the administration of the state, overseeing various projects and initiatives that contributed to the prosperity of Egypt. Arsinoe I was also a patron of the arts and culture, supporting the development of literature and architecture. Her leadership and influence in the court were widely recognized, making her a respected figure in ancient Egypt.