The Great Queens of Ancient Egypt and Nubia
From Hatshepsut to the warrior Kandakes of Nubia, ancient Africa was ruled and shaped by remarkable women. Meet the queens whose power still echoes today.
Ancient Egypt and Nubia gave the world some of history's most powerful women. For travelers, and especially for the women who make heritage trips their own, these queens turn a journey into something personal.
Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh
She ruled Egypt outright as pharaoh and led it into a golden age. Her temple at Luxor is a highlight of any trip. Read her full story in our Hatshepsut guide.
Nefertari, the beloved
Ramesses II adored his queen Nefertari so deeply that he built her a temple at Abu Simbel, its facade carved with her image at the same towering scale as his own, an almost unheard-of honour. Her tomb is among the most beautiful ever painted.
The Kandakes, Nubia's warrior queens
South in the Kingdom of Kush, powerful Black African queens known as the Kandakes ruled in their own right and led armies, even standing up to the might of Rome. They are among the great warrior women of world history. Read about the Kandake queens.
Nefertiti and Tiye
Queen Tiye wielded huge influence beside Amenhotep III, and the legendary Nefertiti, whose famous bust still captivates the world, helped lead a religious revolution. Together these women shaped ancient Africa.
Travel in the footsteps of Africa's great queens.
See our women's heritage journeysFrequently Asked Questions
Who were the most powerful queens of ancient Egypt?
Hatshepsut ruled as pharaoh, Nefertari was honoured with her own temple at Abu Simbel, and Tiye and Nefertiti held great influence. In Nubia, the Kandake queens ruled and led armies in their own right.
Who were the Kandake queens?
The Kandakes were powerful Black African warrior queens of the Nubian Kingdom of Kush who ruled in their own right and even resisted Rome.