The mummy of Queen Tiye, one of Ancient Egypt's most influential queens, was discovered in 1898 by French archaeologist Victor Loret. This extraordinary find was within the second side chamber of the tomb of Amenhotep II, located in the Valley of the Kings. Initially discovered among a collection of royal mummies spanning the 18th and 19th Dynasties, Tiye's mummy was eventually identified through meticulous scientific analysis.
One of the distinguishing features of Queen Tiye's mummy is her luscious, lengthy hair, which played a pivotal role in confirming her identity. A miniature sarcophagus found in King Tutankhamun's tomb contained a lock of hair labeled with Tiye's name. Electron probe analysis conducted in the 1970s matched the hair within Tutankhamun's tomb to that on the mummy now identified as Queen Tiye. In the 2010s, DNA analysis conducted by Dr. Zahar Saleem verified this match, providing irrefutable evidence of the mummy's identity.
Further DNA analysis also confirmed that this mummy, known for years as "The Elder Lady," was indeed the daughter of Yuya and Thuya, and therefore undoubtedly Queen Tiye herself.
Queen Tiye was married to Pharaoh Amenhotep III and served as the mother of Akhenaten and grandmother to Tutankhamun. As a key political figure in Ancient Egypt, Tiye played a crucial role in state affairs, influencing not only her husband's reign but also that of her son, Akhenaten. Her prominent position in royal matters is reflected in her elaborate burial, despite the challenges her remains have faced over the centuries.
Despite the damage inflicted by ancient tomb robbers, Queen Tiye's body remains remarkably well-preserved. Her left arm is crossed over her chest in the traditional royal pose, though what she originally clutched in her rigid grip is missing. Her right arm rests alongside her lower torso, though her middle finger is missing.
Interestingly, Tiye's dental health provides insight into Ancient Egyptian dentistry. Her teeth show moderate wear and are in good condition for a woman aged between 40 and 50. However, she is missing three wisdom teeth, leaving only one remaining, suggesting that the others were removed during her lifetime. This removal offers a fascinating glimpse into the dental practices of her time.
The mummy of Queen Tiye remains a poignant reminder of the sophistication and cultural legacy of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Her well-preserved remains and the lock of hair buried with her grandson, Tutankhamun, offer not only a direct connection to one of Egypt's most significant royal families but also provide invaluable insights into the funerary practices, medical knowledge, and artistry of ancient times.
