Tiye -1150 – -1154

Biography

Tiye was a Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses III, one of Egypt’s most powerful rulers during the Twentieth Dynasty. Born on January 1, 1150 BCE, she held one of ancient Egypt’s most prestigious positions, standing beside the pharaoh in both ceremonial and administrative capacities. As a Great Royal Wife, Tiye would have been deeply involved in court life and represented an important diplomatic and dynastic connection within the royal household.

Though her life was relatively brief, spanning only four years from her birth in 1150 BCE to her death in 1154 BCE, Tiye’s position reflected the significant role women could occupy in pharaonic Egypt. The circumstances of her death—recorded as intoxication—offer a rare glimpse into the personal struggles that could affect even those of the highest station. Despite her prominence as a royal wife during one of Egypt’s later dynasties, many details of her life remain unknown to history.

The exact locations of Tiye’s birth and death were not preserved in historical records, leaving gaps in our understanding of her life. Her burial site, too, has been lost to time. Nevertheless, Tiye remains part of the historical record as a member of Ramesses III’s royal court during a significant period of ancient Egyptian civilization.