GOD’S WIFE OF AMUN

Title first attested for queens and some princesses during Dynasty 18. The office was eventually bestowed on unmarried princesses, who were regarded as brides of the god Amun rather than the king. The first known princess to hold the office under these conditions was Isis, daughter of Ramesses VIof Dynasty 20. The importance of the office gradually eclipsed the status of that of high priest of Amun by Dynasty 25, and the latter office fell into disuse in Dynasty 26, the title being absorbed by the God’s wife. The office was used by both Dynasty 25 and Dynasty 26 to exert control over Thebesby having their princesses installed, although true power rested with the steward of the God’s wife. The last attested God’s wife was Ankhnesneferibre, daughter of Psamtik II, who was in office at the time of the Persian invasion in 525 BC. Classical sources during the Ptolemaic Period imply that the office may have continued or been revived on a more modest scale. The tombs of the God’s wives were built in the precinct of the temple of Medinet Habu.