Part 1: “Teje – Ruler of the Nile” on January 12th at 10:35 p.m. on ORF 2
Vienna (OTS) – Ancient Egypt is famous for its pharaohs; the women at their side usually receive little attention. But more than 3,000 years ago, a royal wife emerged from the shadows:
Teje becomes an influential co-regent and is elevated to the rank of goddess during her lifetime. The new three-part “Universum History” series about the “Queens of Ancient Egypt” by David Ryan (book) and Stephen Rooke (director) begins on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:35 p.m. on ORF 2 Teje – die impressive woman who reigned as the “Great Royal Wife” at her husband’s side for several decades and is still able to fascinate today. “The Other Cleopatra” and “Selene – Cleopatra’s Daughter” will follow on January 19th at 10:35 p.m.
The documentary embarks on a meticulous search for traces of Teje, which goes back to the childhood of the future queen. Teje therefore comes around the year 1400 BC. The world was born in Middle Egypt. Her parents are commoners, but belong to the upper class and have status and influence as wealthy landowners. The family soon moves to Waset, today’s Luxor. The city is the center of Egyptian society. Around 1390 BC A boy ascends the throne there in the 4th century BC: Amenhotep III. is still a child when he is appointed pharaoh. Despite his youth, a woman has to be found for him. The choice falls on Teje and the two marry in the first or second year of his reign. The bride and groom are probably around ten years old at this point. From now on, the couple rule together over the powerful empire.
The documentary is dedicated in detail to the role that women play at the Pharaoh’s side. Experts explain the exposed position that Teje always takes. Because the Pharaoh – in keeping with custom – also has other wives in the coming years. But it is Teje that is highlighted again and again. Amenhotep clearly grants her supremacy at court. Inscriptions on scarabs, wall reliefs and statues confirm this image and show a woman at the height of power, confidently ruling at her husband’s side.
This could be the end of Teje’s story. But Amenhotep III. dares to make a radical break with religious traditions: he declares himself to be the incarnation of the sun god Aten during his lifetime, and at his side Teje shines as the goddess Hathor. When the Pharaoh sets out to overthrow Amun’s influential priesthood, Teje is at his side, as Egyptologist Aidan Dodson explains. As Amenhotep III. dies, his son follows him on the throne. He acts even more radically in his worship of the sun god: Akhenaten places one god above all other deities of ancient Egypt. Teje also stands at his side and becomes a witness to this religious revolution, which some scientists consider to be the pioneer of monotheism.
The documentary brings that time to life with opulent reenactments and follows Teje on her journey from the daughter of a middle-class family to the wife of a pharaoh. She accompanies the queen on her rise to become a godlike ruler alongside her husband and also shows her as a supportive mother to her son Akhenaten. The archaeological search for traces at the excavation sites and in various museums worldwide presents numerous artifacts, statues and images of Teje. Experts like radiologist Sahar Saleem report on the latest scientific findings and provide many facets for a detailed picture of Teje, the “Great Royal Wife” of Amenhotep.