Queen Nefertiti was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten during Egypt's 18th Dynasty, around 1353-1336 BCE.
She played a central role in the religious revolution that introduced Atenism, the earliest known form of monotheism, worshipping the sun disc Aten.
Her famous bust, discovered in the early 20th century and housed in Berlin's Neues Museum, is one of the most celebrated artifacts of ancient art.
Nefertiti and Akhenaten ruled from the city of Amarna, which they built as a new capital dedicated to Aten.
She had six daughters, including Ankhesenamun, who later married Tutankhamun.
Her name means "The Beautiful One Has Come" reflecting her legendary beauty and grace.
Theories about her origins vary-some suggest she was the daughter of the courtier Ay, while others believe she was of elite but non-royal birth.
Some scholars believe she may have ruled briefly as Pharaoh under the name Neferneferuaten after Akhenaten's death.
Despite her prominence, her tomb and remains have never been definitively found, adding mystery to her legacy.
Egypt continues to demand the return of her iconic bust from Germany, viewing it as a vital piece of national heritage.
