Queen Tiye

Born in Nubia, Tiye was the Chief Queen of Amenhotep III and mother of Akhenaten, was the matriarch of the Amarna family. Her father, Yuya, had been commander of the chariotry under Tuthmose IV and her mother, Thuya, was Superintendent of the Harem of Min of Akhmim and of Amun of Thebes during the reign of Thutmose IV. By Amenhotep III, Tiye had at least six children. She had two sons (Tuthmose V and Amenhotep IV), and four daughters (Sitamun, Isis, Henut-taneb, and Beketaten).

For nearly half of a century, Tiye governed Kemet, regulated her trade, and protected her borders. Queen Tiye held the title of "Great Royal Wife" and acted upon it following the end of her husband's reign. Tiye was not only Amenhotep III's trusted adviser and confidant, but that she also played an active part in politics abroad. Tiye continued to be a major political influence during the reign of her second son, Amenhotep IV, redirecting political decisions to her attention when her son, now Akenhaton, neglected his political duties while preoccupied with his religious innovation.