Caterina Segurana (1505 - August 15, 1543)

Caterina Segurana is the heroine of Italian folklore from the Siege of Nice, a takeover by the Franco-Ottoman alliance in 1543. Nice was a city on the Mediterranean coast of the northern part of Italy. Nice was the home of the Duke of Savoy, an ally to Charles V - the Holy Roman Emperor at the time. The city was unprepared, only local militias were available. Many women and young boys fought in the attack, including Caterina. The attack left the city in shambles, but a common woman, now known as La Segurane, was all anyone could talk about. There is little to support her existence but the tale goes as follows: 

“as the Ottoman troops rose to the ramparts, she struck their standard bearer and grabbed the flag.  She then turned her back, hiked up her skirts, leaned over, and mooned the enemy… she tore up the Ottoman standard and used it to scrub those lower parts. Then she threw the soiled rag down at the Ottomans in contempt.” 

Caterina was a washer woman with large muscular arms who was skilled in the use of a laundry beater. She was known to be conventionally unattractive and rather unladylike like, traits that could have been given to her as a result of her behavior in the event. 

Today, Caterina is recognized as an Italian hero. There are monuments, poems and songs made in her honor. National Caterina Segurana Day is concurrent with St. Catherine Day on November 25th.

Recent postcard printed in honor of Caterina Segurana, Nice's heroine, on the 570th anniversary of her martyrdom for participating in the defense of Nice, during the siege by the French and Turks from 2 to 22 August 1543. On 15 August the Turks opened a breach in the walls and, despite fierce resistance, sacked the city. Only the castle remained impregnated but Caterina Segurana, who had fought bravely and thrown a Turk who was planting her flag from the breach, will be hanged at the Porta Paroliera by the French occupation troops.

https://archivioirredentista.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/cartolina-commemorativa-in-onore-di-caterina-segurana-1543-2013/

Caterina Serugana is a hero to me in her own right. She was judged negatively based on her actions, being called unattractive, lewd and unladylike, but was still esteemed for those same actions. Growing up, I have always been outspoken and different, sometimes being deemed “unladylike” by the ones around me. Caterina is a hero because she did what was not expected of a woman. She was strong like a man, something that would be undesirable to most. She did an obscene act out of fury and frustration, an act that is not typical of women of the time or even of the women today. 

Sources:

http://ahistoryblog.com/2013/07/19/catherine-segurane-1506-before-there-was-marianne/#more-1790

https://www.routeyou.com/en-fr/location/view/47858763/siege-of-nice

https://archivioirredentista.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/cartolina-commemorativa-in-onore-di-caterina-segurana-1543-2013/

Yun Hui-sun

Seoul, South Korea 1

Yun Hui-sun was known for opposing the Japanese in Korea and organizing militia.¹ Yun was determined to play a role in fighting back against the Japanese in her country. When she was denied a chance to fight in the militia, she went and made an alter to pray each day for their victory. She also sent letters that declared war to the Japanese army.² Yun wanted to inspire other women to do their part in helping the Korean militia. She was able to do this through numerous songs that she composed, such as “Song of Women Militia”, “A Battle Song of Militia” and many more.² “Song of the Women’s Militia was the first militia song to be written down in Korean as well as being the first to be written by a woman.¹ Yun used her songs to spread the message and boost confidence in resisting the Japanese invasion. The women in Yun’s militia did not engage in the fighting, however, they found other ways to contribute. This included cooking, making gunpowder, as well as the songs. Despite facing many setbacks such as losing her father-in-law, husband, and son Yun never gave up her fight against the Japanese army. She would go on to free Korean POWs and hide them from the Japanese. This continued until her death in 1895.³

            Yun Hui-sun was strong-willed and devoted to her country and family. She did not stand aside and let the men in her family be the only ones to fight against the Japanese. Although she did not partake in any of the physical combat, she used her skills to resist in her own way. By composing militia songs Yun inspired women to do their part in supporting Korea. Her letters to the Japanese army and Korean soldiers who supported Japan would also play a role in Korea’s resistance. Yun was not intimidated by the Japanese soldiers or their threats. Her bravery was so formidable that even Japanese soldiers were impressed and ended up retreating at one point.² I believe Yun to be an incredible warrior woman because she was an influential and a pioneer throughout Korea’s resistance to Japan. Yun is an example that there are numerous ways to fight and resist in the name of something you strongly believe in. Being a woman did not hold her back and she fought until her dying day. Yun offered continuous support and devotion to her country and its people. She rallied for women to play an active role in the resistance and reminded them they were just as big of a part of it as the men were. To this day she is still remembered in Korean history for all that she did.

Work Cited

1.     Wikipedia. (16 October, 2019). Yun Hui-sun. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yun_Hui-sun

2.     Lee, B.-yong. (2008). Women in Korean history. Seoul: Ewha Womans Univ. Press.

3.     Porath, J. (n.d.). Empress Myeongseong: The Queen Who Fought to Save Korea. Retrieved from https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/princesses/empress-myeongseong.

Picture:

1.     Hubert, H. “Seoul South Korea map from i 7.” Found, Nicerthannew, 14 July 2019, https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiRq7KN2OblAhVlkuAKHfYIBO8QjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnicerthannew.com%2Fworld%2Fseoul-south-korea-map%2Fattachment%2Fseoul-south-korea-map-from-i-7&psig=AOvVaw2TAQwMjHdPsLfxfZLybnse&ust=1573717329903524

Joan of Arc: The Maid of Orléans

The day Joan of Arc led France to into war with England, she not only claimed victory for France but also for women in the centuries to come.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc's story begins humbly. Under the name Jeanne d'Arc, Joan was born January 6, 1412 in Domrémy-la-Pucelle, France. Her father was a tenat farmer named Jacques d'Arc and his wife, her mother, was Isabelle Romée.

Joan began to hear voices at the age of 13. She determined these voices and their messages were heavenly sent. Joan claimed that God had given her a mission of overwhelming importance: to save France by expelling its enemies, and insuring Charles was crowned king.

Motivated by her belief that she had been chosen by God, Joan led France to victory in its war with England. With zero military training or experience, Joan manged to convince Prince Charles of Valois to let her lead the French army to the city of Orléans. It was here, The Maid of Orléans won victory over the English and their French allies, the Burgundians. After seeing the prince crowned King Charles VII, fulfilling her mission, Joan was captured by Anglo-Burgundian forces. The 19 year old woman was tried for witchcraft and heresy and burned at the stake May 30, 1431.

Joan of Arc

Joan's short life was heavily influenced and almost dictated, by her belief system and cultural values.
By the time she was officially canonized in 1920, the Maid of Orléans had long been celebrated. She's considered one of history’s greatest saints, and an enduring symbol of French unity and nationalism.

Driven by her religious upbringing, Joan considered her faith to be a huge part of her sense of self. She modeled her life in a way that was pious and respectful to her christian beliefs. She made a vow of chastity at 16 years of age and held firm in this promise even when wavered by her father. Jacques d'Arc attempted to arrange a marriage for his young daughter but failed when she convinced the local courts to rule in her favor. Despite your own personal religious affiliations, we can all draw inspiration from this courageous act. In Medieval Times, where young women were seen as their father's or husband's property, its amazing that at 16 years old Joan was able to sway the opinion of not only one man but a whole court of them.

Joan of Arc

In more than one occasion, Joan approaches patriarchal figures head-on. As she begins her mission, Joan strategically manages to convince local magistrate, Robert de Baudricourt, to give her a seat in front of the prince. After he relented, Joan cropped her hair and dressed in men’s clothes to make the 11 day journey across enemy territory to the crown prince's palace in Chinon. She was tactful and used logic when approaching the opposite sex. Her mindfulness of the misogynistic and sexist culture of that time, allowed her to move seamlessly among men. The way Joan felt pressured to dress and act speaks volumes for the tragic narrative women always seem to fall victim to. That they're weak and easy targets for sexual or physical violence. Joan of Arc takes this narrative and twists it.

Against the advice of most of his counselors and generals, Prince Charles granted Joan permission to carry through with her mission. The Maid of Orléans set off for Orléans in March of 1429 dressed in white armor and riding a white horse. An immaculate visual image of purity, faith and hope in the middle of a battle that had raged for decades. Joan represented a beacon of light, she was a hero. She twisted the narrative of women to one that was empowering and uplifting.

Joan of Arc was 17 years old when she won the Hundred Years War for France. Her heroism acts as an inspirational, feminist symbol for women of all ages. Brought up from humble beginnings, inspired by a cause, burned at the stake and then sainted, Joan's experience is unique and her bravery, unparalleled. Her story, over 600 years old, remains relevant and her image, iconic. I anticipate her story to be shared for more generations to come.

Works Cited

History.com Editors. “Joan of Arc.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, https://www.history.com/news/joan-arc-burned-stake

Kennedy, Lesley. “Why Was Joan of Arc Burned at the Stake?” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 16 Apr. 2019, https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/saint-joan-of-arc

Vale, Malcolm G.A., and Yvonne Lanhers. “St. Joan of Arc.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 28 Aug. 2019, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Joan-of-Arc#ref27051

Catalina de Erauso: The Lieutenant Nun

Portrait Painting done by Juan van der Hamen (5)

The Beginning

Catalina de Erauso was born on February 10th, 1592 (though some sources cite 1585) to a military family in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain. Catalina was the child of Captain Miguel de Erauso, and his wife Maria Perez de Arce Gallarraga. From the age of four, Catalina was raised with their three sisters in the Dominican convent of San Sebastian de Antiguo. Due to their rebellious attitudes, they were eventually transferred to the convent San Bartolome. (1) However, at the age of fifteen, Catalina stole the convent keys, ran away, and disguised themselves as a man. (2) Their escape lasted until they made their way to Vitoria, Spain, here Catalina went to work for a distant relative, who did not recognize them in men's clothing. A few months later, Catalina fled with stolen money and eventually settled in Valladolid. (1) At this time Catalina assumed the identity of Fransico de Loyola, and became a page of the secretary of King Juan de Idiaquez. (3)

 Taking Advantage of a New Life

Now with their newfound identity assumed, Catalina set out to drink, fight, and womanize. (3) Searching for new horizons, Catalina joined a fleet from Spain that was heading for America. After spending a year with the Spanish Conquistadors, Catalina stole pesos from the ship's captain and hid at the port of Nombre de Dios, Panama until the ships left. (1)  After this, they spent a short amount of time roaming through present-day Venezuela, Columbia, before heading to Peru. Also during this time Catalina actually killed their uncle, stole hundreds of pesos, fought in many duels, and took several female lovers. (2) This includes romancing her boss's sister-in-law while in Lima and later, Catalina was engaged to two separate women at the same time, however before things went too far, Catalina skipped town. (3) Without money or work, Catalina decided to enlist in the Spanish army under the identity of Alonso Diaz Ramirez de Guzman and ended up serving with their biological brother Miguel, who had become the secretary of the governor of Chile. After working closely together, the pair became good friends without Miguel recognizing his closest confidant was once his sister. After three years, the pair had a falling out after Miguel discovered that "Alonso"  was sleeping with his mistress.  (3)

A Warrior Emerges

The Lieutenant Nun. (6)

Throughout Catalina's time of stealing, killing and conquering women, they also made a name for themselves as an expert solider. Prior to working underneath their brother in Chile, Catalina became a military aide to Captain Recio de Leon after leaving Peru. While they were an aide, Catalina quickly gained a reputation for their ferocious fighting skills against the Natives of Chile. After few years after leaving Charcas is when Catalina joined forces with the Spanish Armada off the coast of Peru, as they fought against the Dutch fleet. According to some sources, Catalina or "Alonso" as they were known may have been the only survivor from the battle. (4) At this time Catalina and the rest of the troops were moved to southern Chile, in order to take part in the War of the Araucania. This was the moment that Catalina ended up serving underneath their biological brother Miguel. The two got along well for many years, however, after Miguel discovered that "Alonso" had been courting his mistress, he decided to send him to the front lines of the battle on the Aracunian front. (1)  This move and Catalina's key role in battle would inevitably win her the rank of lieutenant. Once the war was over however Catalina found herself wandering through the forests of Chile, and after crossing the Andes Mountains in Argentina, they fell deathly ill. At this moment, Catalina called open a priest and professed the secret they had been withholding since leaving Spain. Catalina declared that they took up arms to defend the Catholic faith and that they believed it was their destiny to become a soldier. The priest embraced them as a devoted follower of God, and declared Catalina as an incredible individual and that if they were to recover, the priest would ensure they could return to their family in Spain. (4) When they returned home, Catalina assumed the name Antonio de Erauso and quickly became a celebrity. In 1624 they were awarded a lifelong military pension by King Philip IV, in honor of their services, and was given permission by Pope Urban VIII to continue their life living as a man. (3) After a short while in Spain, Antonio asked permission to return to America, where they adopted the new name of Fransico and would end up passing away in 1650 in the town of Cuitlaxtla. (1) 

An Icon Even After Their Time

Throughout all of the stories of Catalina and their different assumed identities, one thing has always been clear: Catalina was a pioneer for her time period, breaking down the traditional roles that were expected of a girl as a child and assuming the identity of a man from their adolescence until their time of passing. Catalina opened the eyes of the religious and staunch world of Spain and gave those who grew up after them a chance to see that not all heroes or icons need to fit into a specific gender. Additionally, her published memoir that includes the stories of their life were identified and nominated for a Lambda Literary Award under the Transgender category, further showcasing just how impactful their life still is today.

Work Cited

1. National Geographic. “La Increíble Historia De Catalina De Erauso, La Monja Alférez.” Www.nationalgeographic.com.es, National Geographic, 4 Mar. 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com.es/historia/grandes-reportajes/increible-historia-catalina-erauso-monja-alferez_13152.

2. Milne, Andrew. “Meet Catalina De Erauso, The Cross-Dressing Warrior Nun Of 17th-Century Spain.” All That's Interesting, All That's Interesting, 15 Dec. 2017, https://allthatsinteresting.com/catalina-de-erauso.

3. “Catalina De Erauso: The Lieutenant Nun.” Rejected Princesses, https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/princesses/catalina-de-erauso.

4. “Erauso, Catalina De (1592–1635).” Women in World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia.com, 25 Oct. 2018, https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/erauso-catalina-de-1592-1635.

5. “Portrait Painting by Juan Van Der Hamen.” Wikipedia, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/Catalina_de_Erauso.jpg.

6. “Catalina De Erauso.” Blogger, http://piracyinmediterranean.blogspot.com/2010/04/catalina-de-erauso-lieutenant-nun_1863.html.

Nakano Takeko: A Brave Onna-Bugeisha

A Samurai's Wife with a Naginata

     The word 'samurai' evokes an image of strict, disciplined men; the glory of battle, and an honorable death. Women are written in history with status below men, serving their needs (1). Women were educated and trained in defending their clan and their homes (1). However, this was due to their potential value to prospective husbands (2). Wives were to be the last line of defense for the house, if need be. But to keep their honor samurai would bring the image of honor and their wives upheld it. If all looked bleak, women carried a dagger around with them everywhere in order to give themselves a quick honorable death which involved extreme ritual to maintain their gracefulness (2). They were trained in the art of the naginata and some became masters (2). Some women did not settle solely in the role of wives, but of warriors as well. Written out of history, with few exceptions, women have had their exploits in battle and their sacrifices erased (3). While we may never know the exact number of women that defied the cultural norms and rushed into battle, DNA testing has come in to help us award battlefield honors to these women (3). Currently, it seems that approximately 1/3 of soldiers in feudal Japan were women (2).  

Nankan Takeko in Aizuwakamatsu

     Nankano Takeko is one of a very few selective women who has her story celebrated and told. She grew up in the Aizu clan (4). She was trained in the ways of being the perfect samurai wife and soon becomes unique by being a naginata master, which was unheard of  at the time (2). Her sister soon joined her in training, and it wasn't long before they were able to put their training to us as all out war began in Japan (2).  Forces of the Emperor had obtained a technological edge by obtaining firearms (2). The Shogun, feudal war lords, resisted the new weapons (2). Unrest lead to all out war, with the Shogun's forces being out-manned and out-gunned (2). Nankano realizes that soon the Aizu clan will be surrounded by an inconceivable amount of fire power (2). She readies herself and her sister for battle (2). She leaves behind one request for her sister: cut off her head to avoid becoming a trophy for the enemy (4).  Aizu was surrounded by an impossibly large and well-equipped force, she led 20 to 30 women to defend her clan's honor and dignity. These women would later go on to be called joshitai, translated to "Women's Force" (4). However, the joshitai were not welcomed by the Aizu samurai force (2).  

    Her brigade was to remain "unofficial" in order to allow the men on the battlefield to die honorable deaths since it was seen as a disgrace to die with women on the battlefield (4). It was an implication that men were not enough to win their own battle, conversely any wins on the battlefield were not seen as honorable if women were suspected of having a hand in it (2). Nakano found an opportunity when the Emperor's men were reloading to charge with her women warriors, and was said to take down 5 or 6 men before being fatally shot (2). Yuko fulfilled her sister's wish by cutting off her Nakano's head and fled the battle to bury it under a tree, safe from trophy hunters on the field. 

Today, that tree has been memorialized in Nakano's honor (2). Women are still trained in the art of fighting with the naginata (2). 

   Today, Nankano and the joshitai are remembered during the Aizu Autumn Festival. So let us not forget Nankano's own words. Before battle, samurai would write death poems to leave beauty behind in the world, in case they die on the battlefield. Nankano's death poem reflects a beautifully sad, but daring sentiment on the onna-bugeisha of Japan: 

" Of all the famous warriors, I would not count myself among them - even though I share the same brave heart." (2)

Works Cited

1 Hastings, Christobel. “How Onna-Bugeisha, Feudal Japan’s Women Samurai, Were Erased From History”. Vice, 24 Sep 2018, 4:10pm, https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/a383aj/female-samurai-onna-bugeisha-japan

2 Samurai Warrior Queen. Directed by John Wate, Performances by  Shoka Oshima, Sarasa Fujita, Junko Kimoto, Smithsonian Channel, 2015.

3 Turnbull, Stephen. Samurai Women 1184 – 1877. E-book, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012. https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_VS1CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4&lpg=PA4&dq=%E2%80%9Cthe+exploits+of+female+warriors+as+the+greatest+untold+story+in+samurai+history.%E2%80%9D&source=bl&ots=t2vyoisjzc&sig=-gIkc-ECNyKxfAj0_LtmaU8pKrg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi06_-Hj8jdAhVLBsAKHZdKAYsQ6AEwAXoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=%E2%80%9Cthe%20exploits%20of%20female%20warriors%20as%20the%20greatest%20untold%20story%20in%20samurai%20history.%E2%80%9D&f=false

4 Vaporis, Constantine N. Samurai: An Encyclopedia of Japan’s Cultured Warriors. E-book, ABC-CLIO, 2019. https://books.google.com/books?id=lPaKDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA366&lpg=PA366&dq=Aizu+Autumn+Festival&source=bl&ots=VP-aQwe44N&sig=ACfU3U2r8aXk81TjiphIca6ivtUlupIV4Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwioppD1jMLlAhVHU98KHUnZCOI4ChDoATAHegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=Aizu%20Autumn%20Festival&f=false

Video Credits

“The Vicious Sword Female Samurai Favored”. Youtube, uploaded by Smithsonian Channel, 28 Aug 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQouh5yczWI.

“Women Were Some of the Fiercest Samurai Warriors Ever”. Youtube, uploaded by Smithsonian Channel, 28 Aug 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQouh5yczWI.

Picture Credits

Hironori. 2019, Takeko Nakano Monument, Aizuwakamatsu. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g780850-d4765403-Reviews-Takeko_Nakano_Monument-Aizuwakamatsu_Fukushima_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Kuniyoshi. Ishi-jo, wife of Oboshi Yoshio, on of the “47 loyal ronin.”, 1848. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onna-bugeisha#/media/File:Onna_bugeisha_Ishi-jo,_wife_of_Oboshi_Yoshio.jpg

Arsinoe IV: The Other Queen of Egypt

Reconstructed image of what Arsinoe is believed to have looked like 

                                                                 

When it comes to the rulers of Egypt, most people tend to think of the most famous Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra. What many do not know, is that Cleopatra had a younger sister who over through her thrown and ruled Egypt as well. Cleopatra – the woman who seduced Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and who, instead of surrendering, took her own life using snake venom. But what about her sister, Arsinoe? Who remembers her and her heroic actions?

Life of Arsinoe IV

Arsinoe IV the fourth out of the six children born to Ptolemy XII Auletes. When Ptolemy XII died in 51 B.C., he left his eldest living son and daughter, Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra as joint rulers of Egypt (1). As brother/sister, husband/wife, and rulers of Egypt, Cleopatra and Ptolemy brought Egypt into many victories in battle. It was not until Cleopatra because obsessed with the power Julius Caesar was gaining in Rome that the problems began. 

Arsinoe found this as an in to her way to the throne. As an 11 year old, Arsinoe approached her brother Ptolemy XIII and gave him some words of wisdom. While speaking to him, she convinced Ptolemy XIII that Cleopatra was working against his orders and still trying to combine forces with Caesar and Rome. This infuriates Ptolemy and causes him to banish Cleopatra from Alexandria, which in turn resulted in Cleopatra fighting back. While the two were disputing their claims, Arsinoe names herself the new Queen of Egypt. It was at this time that Julius Caesar came to Alexandria with the head of Pompey, a friend to to Ptolemy, causing Ptolemy and Cleopatra to abide by their fathers will and rule Egypt together, restoring Cyprus, and giving that to Arsinoe instead. With Ptolemy and Cleopatra away, the general Achillas took over Alexandria. 

 Arsinoe at War

Lighthouse of Alexandria before its deactivation in 1320 

In 48 B.C., at 12 years old, Arsinoe escaped from the capital with her mentor, Ganymedes, and took command of the Egyptian army, ordering Ganymedes to murder Achillas and placing him as second in command, directly under her (2). Under Arsinoe's leadership, the Egyptians enjoyed some success against the Romans. The Egyptians trapped Caesar in a section of the city by building walls to close off the streets. Caesar, realizing that he would need to break out of the city, launched an attack to seize control of the Lighthouse of Alexandria but Arsinoe's forces drove him back trapping him in the light house, causing him to have to face Arsinoe's army or jump from one of the seven wonders of the world, which he did. With Caesar still alive and other leaders being disappointed in Ganymedes and wanting peace, an exchange of Arsinoe for Ptolemy was negotiated (3). Arsinoe was captured and taken to Rome to be strangled to death, but many took pity on her and decided because she was the sibling of two ruling bodies, she would exiled to sanctuary in the temple of Artemis in Ephesus where she lived the remainder of her life as a priestess Still seeing her as a threat. 41 B.C. Cleopatra convinces Mark Antony to assassinate Arsinoe on the temple steps at 20 years old. 

Arsinoe was just as dangerous as Cleopatra or any man we read about in warrior culture. She was a tough threat to any that stand in her way because of her logic, strategy, and army forces. Although her fall came from the dirty play of her older sister who had her murdered on the steps of a temple, Arsinoe is still an amazing warrior in history that should be spoken about more often. Her bravery, strength, endurance, and intelligence kept up to par with even the most famous of warriors enough to overtake their land and thrones at 11 to 12 years old. While just a footnote in history, but a fascinating one at that, Arsinoes story of a young woman with her own agenda, who is able to make and break alliances for her own good, as well as over taking and ruling an army is one that needs to be told.

Works Cited:
(1) “Arsinoe IV of Egypt - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia.” Alchetron.com, 6 Jan. 2018, alchetron.com/Arsinoe-IV-of-Egypt.

(2) Bennett, Chris. “Arsinoe IV.” Arsinoe IV, web.archive.org/web/20170613113043/http://www.reocities.com/christopherjbennett/ptolemies/arsinoe_iv.htm#Arsinoe.

(3)  “CHAPTER XIII.” The House of Ptolemy a History of Egypt under the Ptolemaic Dynasty, by Edwyn Robert Bevan, Ares Publishers, 1995, pp. 359–384.

Nefertiti: A Legendary Leader

Nefertiti's Bust 

Neferneferuaten Nefertiti, the possible child of Ay and Luy, wife of Akhenaten (also known as Amenhotep IV). She is from Thebes, Egypt and worships Aten along with her Husband. Nefertiti has many titles such as Lady of Grace (nbt-im3t), Main King’s Wife, his beloved (Hmt-nswt-‘3t mryt.f), Lady of all women (Hnwt-Hmwt-nbwt)(1), as well as many others. Nefertiti is one of many women in her husband's life, but is treated as the main wife and with more respect. They have six daughters together, Meritaten, Meketaten, Ankhesenpaaten, Neferneferuaten, and Setepenre, while also being the step-mother of future King Tut. She is best known for her painted sandstone bust, which signified beauty. Her name even means "The beautiful woman has come"(2).

No one really knows the whole story of Nefertiti, but they sure try to figure it out. Through looking at inscriptions on tomb walls, it is known that both her and her husband, Akhenaten, were famous for creating their own religion worshipping only one god, Aten is the disc of the sun. Most of Ancient Egypt worshipped more than one, each symbolizing a different aspect of life, Nefertiti and Akhenaten went there own way to worship one God. Nefertiti appears in Thebes tombs. "In the damaged tomb (TT188) of the royal butler Parennefer, the new king Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) is accompanied by a royal woman and this lady is thought to be an early depiction of Nefertiti"(3). In scenes found on the Talatat, she appears twice as often as her husband is. With those ideas, one could assume that she was more powerful during her time and she controlled a lot more than what is depicted on the walls. She is shown continuously "smiting the enemy and captive enemies decorate her throne"(4). One structure, The Mansion of Benben (hwt-ben-ben)(5), was even dedicated to Nefertiti during the early years of Thebes. When Nefertiti and her husband went off in their own direction in religion, they both changed their names, Nefertiti to Neferneferuaten-Nefertiti and Amenhotep IV to Akhenaten.  This change showing signs to an increasing importance of the "cult" of Aten. Nefertiti's change of religion changed Egypt's view from a polytheistic to one that many would call monolatry or henotheism(6). Nefertiti is seen on tombs and temples as someone in positions of power and authority(7). Some scholars even believed that she was moved up a title to be seen as an equal ruler(8). On one inscription she is seen mourning the death of her daughter after she gave birth(9).

Akhenaten and Nefertiti worshipping Aten

Eventually, Nefertiti's symbol on tombs and inscriptions disappeared. Some people believed that she had died, some figured with the name change her symbol changed or she began dressing as a man so she was unrecognizable. Obviously, she has been buried at some point, but her tomb is undiscovered. Nefertiti had reigned at a time that was considered the wealthiest time in Ancient Egypt. Nefertiti's bust was rediscovered in 1913 and became her sole reason for being famous. But, the one thing about that bust is that the beauty may only run skin deep. "CT scans revealed that underneath the smooth painted stucco is the sculptor Thudnose's more realistic limestone carving a woman with wrinkled cheeks and a bump on the nose"(10).  They even made discoveries on King Tut's tombstone, noticing that there was a marking that could indicate a hidden doorway. A doorway that could possibly lead to finding Nefertiti's tombstone(11). Nefertiti is an interesting woman, she probably had a very interesting life for a woman in her time. A time where men were rulers, they respected their women but in a way that they only stay by their sides and do their bidding. But as we see it Nefertiti and her husband were different, they ruled together as far as things go and he even saw her as his equal. She was his right-hand man, we could say. Works Cited 1-6: “Nefertiti.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Oct. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nefertiti. 7/10: History.com Publisher. “Nefertiti.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 15 June 2010, www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/nefertiti. 8/11: Biography.com Editors. “Nefertiti.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 18 Oct. 2019, www.biography.com/royalty/nefertiti. 9: Mark, Joshua J. “Nefertiti.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 26 Oct. 2019, www.ancient.eu/Nefertiti/.