AIA Fall 2022 Lecture Series: Dr. Peter Brand, University of Memphis, Director, Karnak Great Hypostyle Hall Project

This lecture examines the phenomenon of New Kingdom royal polygamy in the case of Ramesses II’s wives. At least eleven women can be identified as wives of this king, including five of his own daughters and two Hittite princesses. Among his earliest wives, Nefertari and Isetnofret stand out as being the favored and prominent, having given birth to his two eldest sons Amenhirkhopeshef and Ramesses “Junior.” Along with their sons and daughters, Nefertari and Isetnofret stood at the top of a hierarchy among Ramesses II’s wives and children, with Nefertari eclipsing the rest. He sired at least 48 sons and 53 daughters. By reconstructing Ramesses’ family and comparing it to the patterns of royal polygamy in other historic cultures, we can gain insights into the political and social dynamics of Ramesses II huge family and its ideological role in his conception of kingship.

Talk is from 7:30pm - 9pm in the Wilson Hall Theatre.

Free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the North Alabama Society of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA).