The Egyptian History, Reference on the use of female warriors in battlefields.
Maybe it is not so common to imagine in the ancient battlefields that the female role would exceed the nursing service and its subcategories but the ancient Egyptian wars were familiar with some female fighters. History mentions queen Aiahhotep “alternatively spelled as Aahhotep” who had a great role in the Egyptian wars of liberation against the Hyksos, 1700 B.C and mainly after the death of her husband king Seqnenra while fighting his foes. According to her mummy examination she looked physically strong and muscular which referred to her physical participation in the actual battle. And due to her brave fight she was rewarded the golden flies’ necklace which used to sign for the unique valor for ancient Egyptian warriors. Another rich example that goes back to the reign of king Ramses II is found in Bait-Elwali temple, south of Aswan which is about 1200 B.C. A wall carving that represents king Ramses II wars in upper Nubba” southern Sudan “ where he is depicted in his triumph and receiving the spoils of war and a lot of Nubian handmade goods” such as incense, Myrrh , ivory, ebony, furniture, bows and so on”. Also it shows his sons while leading the army regiments and vanquishing their enemy. Surprisingly, a princess is shown while sharing an officer leading a chariot and the sign “ Heqa” which means ruler appears beside her. According to the text which is carved beneath she herself led a regiment,” Daughter of the king, from his body, his beloved Nu-Netri is going forth -while her lead- given power, the justified princess”.
Indeed observing the princess on her chariot was almost imposable as she is depicted with so masculine body and a single hair-lock similarly to any prince.
The inscription may emphasize her early death which could happened during the battle or just before making that carving as it was traditional to provide the title “Maa Khrew” or the justified to the deceased. Copyrig ©Musegypt. 2006
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