This website requires JavaScript.

Share

History & Heritage

2.7.2023

What did ancient Egyptians look like?

Ancient Egypt is one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations, and its architectural splendors still inspire awe and admiration thousands of years after they were built. At the heart of this great civilization were pharaohs and royals who held sway over the civilization for centuries.

In this article, we will explore few of the most remarkable reconstructions of ancient Egyptian figures and take a look at what they might have looked like.

Nefertiti

Nefertiti is arguably the most famous queen of ancient Egypt and remains one of the most recognizable figures in world history. She lived during the 18th dynasty of the New Kingdom period and was the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Nefertiti was renowned for her beauty, which was depicted in numerous works of art, including the famous bust that resides in the Neues Museum in Berlin.

 

Source: Alessandro Tomasi

Ramesses II

Ramesses II was one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt, ruling during the 19th dynasty of the New Kingdom period. He was known for his military prowess, having fought against the Hittites and other neighboring kingdoms to expand Egypt’s borders. He was also a prolific builder, constructing many monumental structures, including the temples of Abu Simbel and Luxor.

 

Source: Liverpool John Moores University

Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut was a powerful female pharaoh who ruled during the 18th dynasty of the New Kingdom period. She came to power after the death of her husband, Thutmose II, and was the first woman to rule Egypt as a pharaoh in her own right. Hatsheput was known for her political savvy and her ability to maintain control over the kingdom, despite challenges from rival factions.

 

Source: @Moe_APHG

Rahotep and Nofret

Rahotep and Nofret were a royal couple who lived during the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom period. They were known for their beauty, which was depicted in their famous statue that now resides in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The statue, which shows the couple standing side by side, is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian art. Rahotep and Nofret were also remembered for their piety.

 

Source: @Moe_APHG

Tiye

Tiye was the wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and the mother of Pharaoh Akhenaten. She was a powerful and influential figure in ancient Egyptian society, and was known for her intelligence, political savvy, and her close relationship with her husband. Tiye was also a prominent figure in religious life and is often depicted in works of art with the Aten, the solar disk deity.

 

Source: @Moe_APHG

Meritamun

Meritamun was a princess of ancient Egypt who lived during the 18th dynasty. She was the daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose III and the sister of Pharaoh Amenhotep II. Meritamun was born into a period of great prosperity and military expansion in ancient Egypt. Despite her heritage, much of Meritamun’s life remains a mystery.

 

Source: University of Melbourne

See also

Trivia: How well do you know Ancient Egypt?

 

Published on 7 February 2023

#Egypt