Thuya, a powerful woman of ancient Kemet, was not only the mother of Queen Tiye but also the grandmother of two legendary pharaohs: Akhenaten and Tutankhamun. With her significant roles in religion and politics, Thuya left an enduring legacy that shaped the history of one of Egypt’s most glorious dynasties. Join us as we uncover the story of this extraordinary woman and her timeless influence!
Thuya, believed to be a descendant of Queen Ahmose-Nefertari, was a prominent figure in Kemet’s 18th Dynasty (circa 14th century BCE). She held numerous influential roles in the intertwined religious and political systems of Kemet, including titles such as “Singer of Hathor,” “Chief of Entertainers” for the gods Amun and Min, and the prestigious positions of Superintendent of the Harem of Min at Akhmin and Amun at Thebes. These roles highlighted her artistic talents and her authority in key religious ceremonies.
Thuya married Yuya, a powerful courtier, and together they raised two remarkable children: Tiye and Anen. Tiye became the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, holding the highest religious position alongside the pharaoh and participating in official rituals and ceremonies. Tiye’s intelligence and influence made her one of Kemet’s most powerful queens. Meanwhile, their son Anen held titles such as Chancellor of Lower Egypt, Second Prophet of Amun, Little Priest of Heliopolis, and Divine Father, underscoring the family’s far-reaching influence in both politics and religion.
Thuya’s greatest legacy lies in her role as the grandmother of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who revolutionized Kemet’s religion with his worship of the god Aten, and Tutankhamun, the young king whose tomb, discovered in 1922, revealed treasures that captivated the world. Through Tiye, Thuya helped shape one of Kemet’s most transformative periods, marked by bold religious, artistic, and political shifts. Thuya is believed to have passed away around 1375 BCE in her early to mid-50s, leaving an indelible mark on history.
She was laid to rest in a carefully prepared tomb in the Valley of the Kings alongside her husband, Yuya. Their tomb, discovered in 1905, contained exquisite artifacts, reflecting their high status and the reverence they commanded. Thuya’s legacy endures not only through her titles but also through the family she nurtured, which profoundly influenced Kemet’s history.
Thuya – mother, grandmother, and powerhouse of Kemet – left an everlasting legacy through her daughter Tiye and grandsons Akhenaten and Tutankhamun. Her story is a testament to the strength of women in ancient Kemet society. Are you inspired by Thuya’s incredible legacy?