Nitocris

The History of Egypt for Kids - Queen Nitocris

The Civilization, Culture & History of Ancient Egypt and facts about Nitocris and her revenge on her brother's murderers

Ancient Egyptians

Ancient Egyptians - Nitocris
A comprehensive guide and fact sheet about Queen Nitocris. Discover fascinating facts and information about ancient Egypt and the revenge of Queen Nitocris.
 
Interesting facts & information about this ancient Egyptian Queen
The dynasty and period in history when she was queen
Major events in her life and the murder of her brother
Fact based biography
The life and times of this ancient Egyptian queen
The famous people in her life, the daughter of King Pepi II and the half-sister of his heir, King Merenre.
Her consort, family and her death by suicide c.2181
An overview of Nitocris, a famous queen of ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptians - Nitocris
Click a link for additional information and interesting facts about subjects relating to Queen Nitocris or other aspects of daily life, the people and places of ancient Egypt.

Overview of the Life of Queen Nitocris
There is considerable debate regarding Queen Nitocris (died c.2181). According to Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, Queen Nitocris invited the murderers of her brother, King Merenre Nemtyemsaf II, to a banquet, then killed them by flooding the sealed room with the Nile. She then committed suicide ending the reign of the 6th dynasty of ancient Egyptian kings and the period in history known as the Old Kingdom. For additional facts about the royal women refer to Ancient Egyptian Queens.

Queens of Egypt: Egyptian Queen in Harem

Queens of Egypt: Picture of an Egyptian Queen in the Harem

 

The Ancient Egyptians

 

Nitocris
Learn about this ancient Egyptian queen the fast and easy way via the Nitocris Fact sheet.

Ancient Egyptian Queen - Nitocris Fact Sheet

Fact 1 on Nitocris:

Spending on building projects by King Pepi II had spiralled out of control leaving the government in turmoil, with rebellious officials leaving the royal court and gaining power as Nomarchs in their own regions.
 

Fact 2 on Nitocris:

She was believed to be the daughter of King Pepi II and the half-sister and wife of his heir, King Merenre.
 

Fact 3 on Nitocris:

It is quite possible that she entered an incestuous marriage with her half-brother who would eventually become King Merenre II. Incest was an acceptable practise amongst the rulers of Egypt, in order to retain the sacred and divine bloodline.
 

Fact 4 on Nitocris:

Following the death of their father, King Merenre assumed the throne of Egypt and the chaotic fragments of the government left by his father. He began a process of royal and political consolidation.
 

Fact 5 on Nitocris:

The reign of King Merenre ended abruptly when he was assassinated following a conspiracy of nobles and officials at the royal court.
 

Fact 6 on Nitocris:

King Merenre and Nitocris were childless and the grieving wife assumed the throne of Egypt as the pharaoh-queen.
 

Fact 7 on Nitocris:

The widow and queen wanted revenge. She was determined to punish the courtiers involved in the murder of her husband.
 

Fact 8 on Nitocris:

The rulers of ancient Egypt were experienced and prolific builders who had built vast underground tombs beneath their pyramids. They also built massive palaces but, as these were not solid stone constructions, have not stood the test of time. It is known they their palaces also contained vast, cool, beautifully decorated underground chambers.
 

Fact 9 on Nitocris:

According to an account by the Greek historian Herodotus (Histories II) the of the queen-pharaoh ordered the construction of a very large underground chamber which was connected to a secret conduit leading to the Nile River. (A conduit is something, such as a pipe or tunnel, through which water can flow.)
 

Fact 10 on Nitocris:

She then extended invitations to a great banquet to the men she knew to have had most part in the murder of her husband.
 

Fact 11 on Nitocris:

The reason for the grand banquet, given by the queen, was it was a gesture of goodwill, token of reconciliation, a gift to express good wishes at the beginning of the new era.
 

Fact 12 on Nitocris:

The invitations were accepted and the courtiers and nobles arrived for the great banquet.
 

Fact 13 on Nitocris:

During the feast the queen gave the order to let in the river and the subterranean chamber was flooded.
 

Fact 14 on Nitocris:

Herodotus goes on to state that when this had been accomplished, she threw herself into a room full of embers, in order that she might escape vengeance.
 

Fact 15 on Nitocris:

Herodotus goes on to state that when this had been accomplished, she threw herself into a room full of embers, in order that she might escape vengeance.
 

Fact 16 on Nitocris:

The reference to the 'room full of embers' could mean the palace kitchen. During the Old Kingdom, heavy pottery molds were filled with dough and then set in the embers to bake. It would seem likely that the pharaoh-queen committed suicide in the palace kitchen.
 

Fact 17 on Nitocris:

The queen had gone to such tremendous efforts to plan this massacre it seem inconceivable that she would not have considered the aftermath of so many murders that were clearly orchestrated by herself.
 

Fact 18 on Nitocris:

The most likely method of suicide would have been taking poison, which she could have planned in advance. Alternatively, she could have used a knife. Both methods would mean she would still have been able to enter the Afterlife. It is most unlikely she would have willingly burnt herself to death.
 

Fact 19 on Nitocris:

The suicide of the queen ended the reign of the 6th dynasty of ancient Egyptian kings and the period in history known as the Old Kingdom.
 

Ancient Egyptian Queen - Nitocris Fact Sheet

Facts about Nitocris
Discover fast, interesting fun facts about Nitocris for kids with some amazing, cool and quick information about ancient Egypt and Egyptians. Ideal for children, homework, schools, teachers and kids of all ages! Find fascinating fun facts about Nitocris for kids and the history, culture and civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and ancient Egypt. Interesting, fun facts about Nitocris for research, schools, students and kids of all ages. 

 

Nitocris

Facts and Information about Nitocris

Ancient Egyptian Queen Nitocris

Fact based biography

Facts and information about Ancient Egypt & the Egyptians

Queen Nitocris for kids and schools

Nitocris  for kids, schools, homework and research

Life, bio, times, famous events and family of Queen Nitocris

 
Rulers of the 6th Dynasty

 

Name

Dates of Reign

King Teti2323–2291 BC

King Userkare22912289 BC

King Pepi I 2289–2255 BC

King Merenre I2255–2246 BC

King Pepi II2246–2152 BC

King Merenre IIDates Unknown

Queen NitocrisDates Unknown
Rulers of the 6th Dynasty

 

 

The Ancient Cities of Egypt

Nitocris
Learning about the ancient Egyptians and Queen Nitocris inspires everyone to visit historical sites and undertake Egypt Travel and Tours to experience the wonders of this magical land at first hand. Many people choose to experience a tour of Egypt on a Nile Cruise stopping at the famous destinations and sites of Egypt such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The information and facts about Nitocris will provide you with a great insight into Egypt and the legacy of the ancient Egyptians.

Nitocris

 

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