This web site is dedicated to providing information and online resources about the Nubian Queen of Egypt's XXV Dynasty known as Amenirdis I, Amenardis I, Amunirdis I or Amunardis I.

This great, black Kushite princess held a major political and religious role as "God's Wife of Amun" and was seen to be a real governing force in Thebes, Upper Egypt (modern-day Luxor) and ruled from the centre of political and religious power at Karnak whilst her brother ruled Lower Egypt from the North.

"Amenirdis the Elder" held many titles - yet another of them was "Divine Adoratrice" and she had made a small, but incredibly impressive, Mortuary Temple in the grounds of Medinet Habu, the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Her Mortuary Temple was finished after her death. Two additional "Chapels to The Divine Adoratrices" stand by the side of Amenirdis' Chapel.

This alabaster statue of Queen Amenirdis I inspired Verdi to compose Aida.

Amenirdis I was a 'Royal Sister', 'Royal Daughter' and 'Royal Wife', the latter being far more impressive as she was seen to be married to Amon himself and she goverened Karnak as the major city that it was, and its outlying areas, with great power and control. Karnak thrived under her guidance and the area was prosperous and productive after the previously unstable period in Egypt. Details still remain of the annual 'output' of the vast domain of Amon at Karnak on a day-to-day basis.

Although she could never marry a mortal man, she served as "God's Wife" for about forty years. Her position was that of a Queen and living Goddess, much like Pharaoh was seen as a living God.

Amenirdis ruled during the Third Intermediate Period, XXV Dynasty - 736-690 BCE though some sources state her dates as being 740-720 BCE. There is still doubt regarding the dates that Amenirdis I lived and ruled. However, there are references to Amenirdis I ruling as 'God's Wife of Amun' and 'Divine Adoratrice' for approximately forty years.

It is alleged that upon her death, Queen Amenirdis I was buried within the grounds of her Mortuary Temple. If this is the case, some Egyptologists may disagree as fairly recently (2001 to 2004) vague reports and claims were made that the mummy remains had been located and had not been retrieved from Amenirdis' Mortuary Temple in Medinet Habu.

Hat-nfrw-mwt (Hatnefrumut) is the Prenomen of Amenirdis I.

Imn-iir-di-si (Amenardis) being the Queen's Nomen.

Daughter of King Kashta and Queen Pebatma, Amenirdis I is said to have had the non-Egyptian name 'Akaluka Princess of Nubia' prior to her rule in ancient Egypt, though I can find no real sources for this.

This web site will soon contain details of Amenirdis' family; some of her 'staff' in the Precinct of Amun e.g. Peshuper - 'Scribe of Amenirdis' & Harwa - "Grand Steward of the Divine Votaress".

Accurate information is needed to complete this web site and I would be very grateful for any information, sources or corrections. Thank you.

If you have any information or sources, please do post information to be included as this web site is built? Thank you.

Research@Amunirdis.net

See the Queen Amenirdis Research & Information Blog here:
http://Queen.Amenardis.net/