Tiye

Daughter of Yuya and Thuyu, She was of non-royal origin and bore the title of “Great Royal Wife." She was the principal wife of Amenhetep III and mother of Amenhetep IV/Akhenaten, both of whom she exerted considerable influence over. Amenhetep III built a temple in her honor at Sedeigna in the north of Sudan, where she was revered as a form of Hathor. After her husband passed away, Tiye lived in Akhetaten, the new capital of Egypt.

It is believed that the mummy called the “Elder Lady” found in KV 35 is Tiye. She was probably buried at first in KV 55, where funerary equipment bearing her name was found, and subsequently moved to KV 35.