Queen Tiye was one of the most influential and powerful women of ancient Egypt’s 18th Dynasty (ca. 1398–1338 BCE). She was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and the mother of Akhenaten, making her the grandmother of Tutankhamun.

Born to non-royal parents, Yuya and Thuya, Tiye rose to prominence through her intelligence, political skill, and strong personality. Her image appears frequently in statues and reliefs alongside the king—an honor rarely given to queens—demonstrating her exceptional status and influence.

Tiye played a significant role in both domestic and foreign affairs, corresponding with rulers of other empires and advising her husband on matters of state and religion.

Artistic representations depict her with distinctive features—almond-shaped eyes, a full mouth, and an elaborate headdress—symbolizing dignity and divine authority. Her legacy endures as a symbol of female power and wisdom in the royal court of ancient Egypt, shaping the course of one of the most remarkable periods in Egyptian history.