Alternative History
Alternative History
Twosret V the Wise
Hatshepset
Pharaoh of Egypt
Reign 9 November 1689 - 7 March 1700
Coronation January 3 1690 (Mennefer)
26 March 1690 (Waset))
18 May 1690 (Sesostria)
Predecessor Senusret IX
Successor Senusret X
Born April 14, 1654(1654-04-14)
Palace of the Papyrus Per-Senusret, Egypt
Died March 7, 1700(1700-03-07) (aged 45)
Spouse Tutankhamun, Kamose, Senusret II, Nebiriau III
Issue Senusret X
Amongst others
Full name
Horus Name: Kanakht Tutmesut Sewadjtawy
Nebty Name: Wehemmesut Sekhemkhepesh
Golden Horus Name: Netjeretkhau
Praenomen: Nikheperkara Setepeniunit
Nomen: Twosret Satiset Merithathor
House Nebiriau
Father Thutmose Sasenusretnesusadedumosenesu
Mother Merimut of Mendes
Religion Kemetism

Twosret V (Twosret Satehutymose Hesunebiriaut; 14 April 1654 – 7 March 1700) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Egypt from 9 November 1689 until her death in 1700. She was the last monarch of the Nebirionic Dynasty and the first grandchild of Pharaoh Senusret IX. Her reign, though short, was marked by significant reforms and political challenges. Born to Crown Prince Thutmose and Merimut of Mendes, Twosret was designated as a throne princess from birth. After the untimely death of her father in 1661, her grandfather, Senusret IX, confirmed her status and prepared her for rulership while appointing her uncle, Prince Amenhotep, as the interim crown prince until she came of age.

Twosret's life was deeply influenced by her upbringing under her uncle and her marriage to Prince Tutankhamun, which solidified her role in the royal lineage. She was crowned Crown Princess on her 20th birthday, marking the beginning of her formal role in Egypt's governance. After her grandfather's death in 1689, Twosret ascended the throne as Queen of Egypt, with her coronation ceremonies spanning several months across Lower and Upper Egypt.

Her reign is notable for its legal reforms, especially those aimed at improving the status and rights of women. She abolished harsh penalties for women, such as mutilation for infidelity, and introduced progressive laws, including maternity leave and protections for widows. Throughout her rule, Twosret faced opposition from parliament but overcame challenges through political maneuvering and personal determination.

Twosret was also known for her diplomatic strategies, averting a war with Nubia and earning the epithet "Twosret the Wise." Her personal involvement in judging legal cases and her efforts to train her son, Senusret, in governance further demonstrated her dedication to Egypt's stability. Despite the trials of her later pregnancies and health issues, Twosret remained a beloved figure until her death in 1700 during childbirth. Her legacy as a reformer and wise ruler endured, though her reign marked the end of her dynasty.

Early Life[]

Twosret was born on April 14, 1654, as the daughter of Crown Prince Thutmose and Merimut of Mendes. Named after her grandmother, she was the first grandchild of Senusret IX through his eldest son, and as such, she was born as a throne princess. After the tragic death of her father in 1661, Senusret IX reaffirmed Twosret's status as the throne princess, while appointing her uncle, Prince Amenhotep, as the new crown prince. Senusret intended for Amenhotep to serve as crown prince until Twosret reached the age of 18. Upon turning 22, she was destined to marry her cousin, Prince Tutankhamun, the eldest son of Crown Prince Amenhotep. Raised by her uncle, Twosret began her formal education at the age of 8.

On her 20th birthday in 1674, Twosret was officially proclaimed Crown Princess of Egypt. During the ceremony, she was presented with a golden vulture crown and a silver-and-gold mock pschent. Two years later, in 1676, she married Prince Tutankhamun in a lavish celebration that captivated the entire kingdom. As part of her wedding, she received exquisite gifts, including luxurious silks and jewel-encrusted anklets, bracelets, and collars. In 1678, she gave birth to her first child, Princess Nebtawy, and in 1681, her first son, Prince Senusret, was born. He would later ascend the throne as Senusret X, founding the Tutankhamunian dynasty.

Tragedy struck Twosret's life in 1686, when she lost her first husband and great love, Prince Tutankhamun, in battle. His death devastated her, but she found solace in her children and remained steadfast in her role as Crown Princess. In the final years of Senusret IX's reign, he dedicated himself to intensifying Twosret's training for the throne, ensuring she was fully prepared for the responsibilities of ruling Egypt. This preparation continued until Senusret IX died in 1689.

Reign[]

On November 9, 1689, Pharaoh Senusret IX died, and his granddaughter, Twosret, succeeded him as Queen Twosret V at the age of 35. Her coronation occurred in stages: she was crowned Queen of Lower Egypt in Mennefer on January 3, 1690; Queen of Upper Egypt in Waset on March 26; and Queen of the United Kingdom of Upper and Lower Egypt in Persenusret on May 8. After completing her coronation tours, Queen Twosret met with foreign ambassadors, renegotiating treaties to secure her rule.

In January 1691, Twosret began her ambitious legal reforms, focusing on improving laws related to women's rights. One of her most significant achievements was the abolition of an ancient law that punished women for infidelity by cutting off their noses. Parliament initially opposed the change, but Twosret threatened to extend the punishment to men and revealed information about the extramarital affairs of several parliament members, forcing them to revoke the law. She also introduced the "Mother's Law," which granted mothers a full year of maternity leave.

In 1692, Twosret became pregnant by her husband, Kamose, and appointed her cousin and other husband, Senusret II, as regent, as her eldest son, Prince Senusret, was still too young to rule. She gave birth to a son, Anhurhotep, who was granted the title of Royal Duke of Hennennesut. Twosret resumed her duties on October 20, 1692.

In June 1693, Queen Twosret enacted the "Widows' Law," requiring families to care for their widowed stepmothers. That same year, she became pregnant again, this time with Prince Senusret as the father, and he was named regent during her pregnancy. In March 1694, a constitutional crisis erupted when a representative, Ankhhor, discovered his wife was having an affair with another representative, Pinedjem. Ankhhor stormed the parliament, killing Pinedjem and three bystanders, and injuring 12 others, including Prince Consort Nebiriau III and Governor Dedumose II. Queen Twosret, despite being six months pregnant, intervened to prevent civil unrest. She sentenced Ankhhor to death for spilling royal blood but later commuted the sentence, stripping him of his fortune and political rights. The funds were redistributed to the families of the bystanders.

Twosret continued her legislative work, passing the "Rights of Women Law" in 1695, which expanded women's rights, and the "No Child Left Alone Policy," providing government support for orphans. Her popularity soared, especially among women. That year, she became pregnant again by Prince Consort Nebiriau III and gave birth in 1696.

In 1696, Twosret received intelligence that the Nubian king, Anlamani V, was planning to invade Lower Nubia. In collaboration with the High Priest of Amun, Twosret orchestrated the kidnapping of Anlamani's sons and funded a rebellion in Kush. This forced Anlamani to sign a peace treaty in exchange for his sons' return, preventing a costly war and earning Twosret the title "Twosret the Wise."

Twosret continued to strengthen her legacy through wise governance. In 1697, she personally judged a land dispute between Viscount Rakhaw and Viscount Seheb, splitting the land and constructing a temple to Taweret in the middle. Her fair judgments reinforced her reputation for wisdom. In 1698, Twosret began teaching her 16-year-old son, Prince Senusret, how to rule, and he started attending meetings of the privy council.

In 1699, Queen Twosret initiated the construction of a new park in Sesostria and embarked on her first royal tour since her coronation. Upon her return, she announced her pregnancy at age 45, which worried many due to her advanced age. Despite these concerns, Twosret remained optimistic. However, on March 7, 1700, during a long and difficult labor, Twosret lost consciousness after giving birth to her son, Niankhdjehuti. Although she briefly regained consciousness, she collapsed and died shortly after giving her eldest son, Prince Senusret, her blessing.

Twosret's death left Prince Senusret, now King Senusret X and the nation devastated. She was mourned as the "Mother of the Nation," and a poem was composed in her honor by Priestess Amenirdis. Twosret V reigned for 10 years, 3 months, and 26 days, marking the shortest reign of her dynasty, as well as its final ruler.

Legacy[]

Queen Twosret V's legacy is defined by her pioneering legal reforms, her unwavering dedication to justice, and her role in shaping the future of Egypt during her reign. As one of the few female rulers of Egypt, Twosret navigated the political landscape with shrewd diplomacy, legislative prowess, and strategic decisions that secured her place in history. Her ambitious legal reforms, particularly her advancements in women's rights, set a precedent for future generations. By abolishing archaic laws that punished women for infidelity and introducing protections for mothers and widows, Twosret became a champion for the rights and welfare of women. Her introduction of the "Mother's Law" and the "Widows' Law" not only expanded women's legal protections but also challenged the traditional patriarchal structures of Egyptian society. Twosret's leadership extended beyond legal reform; she was known for her wisdom in handling complex disputes and crises. From resolving land disputes to diffusing political unrest following a constitutional crisis, Twosret's actions solidified her reputation as a just and wise ruler.

Twosret also played a key role in averting military conflict with Nubia. Her collaboration with the High Priest of Amun to destabilize King Anlamani V through the kidnapping of his sons prevented an otherwise costly war, earning her the title "Twosret the Wise." Her diplomatic strategies in renegotiating treaties and securing alliances further strengthened her rule. While Twosret's reign lasted just over a decade, her impact was profound. Her governance was marked by fairness, diplomacy, and an enduring commitment to social reform. Twosret's reign ended the Senusret Dynasty, but her influence continued through her son, Senusret X, who inherited a stable and reformed kingdom. Mourned as the "Mother of the Nation," her legacy is remembered not only for the briefness of her reign but for the lasting changes she implemented in Egyptian law and society.

Family[]

Name Rank Sons Daughters
Tutankhamun 1654-1686 Great Royal Husband Senusret, Crown Prince of Egypt, 16/4/1681 - 29/6/1760
Thutmose, Prince of Egypt, 23/8/1682- 24/4/1745
Amenemhat, Prince of Egypt, 9/2/1684 - 8/12/1757
Nebtawy, Princess of Egypt 22/10/1678 - 22/6/1761
Hatshepsut, Princess of Egypt 26/4/1685- 14/4/1751
Kamose 1664-1732 Prince Consort Nebra, Prince of Egypt 12/12/1686 - 24/4/1728
Anhurhotep, Prince of Egypt 12/7/1692 - 19/11/1761
Senusret II 1667-1740 Prince Consort Tutankhamun, Prince of Egypt 9/7/1688 - 22/8/1759
Nebmaatra, Prince of Egypt 9/7/1688 - 11/3/1747
Amenhotep, Prince of Egypt 28/6/1694- 14/3/1783
Merimut, Princess of Egypt 9/7/1688- 14/10/1725
Nebiriau III 1673-1748 Prince Consort Ahmose, Prince of Egypt 9/3/1696 - 9/5/1781
Niankhdjehuti, Prince of Egypt 7/3/1700 - 12/9/1803