Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 6

Pharaoh Akhenaten (Originally Amenhotep IV, before he changed his name) 

Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 6

As a sickly child, I wasn’t interested in sports or learning how to fight. I studied hieroglyphic script and trained for the priesthood. When my older brother Tuthmose died, I was destined to succeed my father as the tenth king of Egypt’s Eighteenth dynasty. During my reign Egypt was enjoying peace and prosperity at the peak of its imperial glory. Together with my beautiful wife Nefertiti, we built a new capital in the middle of the desert and called it Akhetaten in honor of the sun disk Aten. I became known as the “Heretic King” because I banned all other gods except for Aten. The powerful priests were unhappy when I decreed that only the pharaoh could commune with Aten, breaking their power and the flow of royal offerings to them. I also influenced Egyptian culture by bringing realism to art. Statues and drawings of myself and family are depicted with elongated heads and faces and wide hips, instead of strong perfect muscular bodies. My successors Smenkhkare and Tutankhamun disassembled the temples and city I built. Who am I?

Hint: 


-Material contributed by Sue Roberts

Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 5

Queen Nefertiti 

 

• While her husband, Akhenaten, attended to religious activities, she handled the political affairs of Egypt.  
• Unlike many other pharaohs, Akhenaten was a warm family man. Queen Nefertari achieved many things with her husband.  
• Like her husband, she adopted Aten, the sun-god.  
• Together Akhenaten and Queen Nefertari built a new city dedicated to Aten called Akhetaten (Horizon of Aten). 

Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 5

While my husband Akhenaten attended to religious activities, I handled the political affairs of Egypt. Unlike many other pharaohs, Akhenaten was a warm family man. We did many things together. Like my husband I adopted Aten, the sun-god. Together Akhenaten and I built a new city dedicated to Aten called Akhetaten (Horizon of Aten). The increased growth of my role over time was reflected in the size of my figure in paintings and statues. It was sad to have Akhenaten labeled as the “Heretic King”, and see his son Tutankhamun return to worshipping the god Amun. Who am I? 

Hint: 


Material contributed by: Sue Roberts

Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 4

Queen Nefertari 

 

• Her husband was Ramses the Great who ruled over Egypt for almost 70 years.  
• Was known for her beauty and was called “The Most Beautiful of Them.” 
• At Abu Simbel, a temple was dedicated to her and Hathor (goddess of love and joy).  
• Unfortunately her life was cut short, but her daughter took her place with her father, Ramses, who had a beautiful tomb built in the Valley of the Queens with wonderful paintings on the walls.  
• Her greatest treasure is the beautiful poetry by Ramses on the wall of her burial chamber.  

Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 4

My husband was Ramses the Great who ruled over Egypt for almost 70 years. I was known for my beauty and was called “The Most Beautiful of Them.” My power was Ramses’ love for me. I attended many official state functions, and sometimes accompanied Ramses into battle. At Abu Simbel a temple was dedicated to me and Hathor (goddess of love and joy). Unfortunately my life was cut short, but my daughter took my place with her father. Ramses had a beautiful tomb built in the Valley of the Queens with wonderful paintings on the walls. My greatest treasure is the beautiful poetry by Ramses on the wall of my burial chamber. Who am I?

Hint: 


-Material contributed by Sue Roberts

Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 3

Queen Amanirenas 

• In her culture, women were in control on earth and in the religious world. 
• As Candace (or Kandake) of Kush (Nubia), she ruled from the palace and on the battlefield.  
• When Rome demanded taxes from the Nubian people, she led the army into battle defeating the Roman soldiers.  
• After losing an eye in battle, she was nicknamed the “One-eyed Candace” or “Warrior Queen”.  
• She sent a bundle of golden arrows to Augustus Caesar as either a token of friendship or to be used in battle. A peace treaty was signed.  
• The Roman army was impressed with the Kushite army’s determination and strength.