Tiye (also known as Tiy, 1398–1338 BCE) was the powerful queen of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, the wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, mother of Akhenaten, and grandmother of Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun.

Lady Tiye was one of the most influential queens of ancient Egypt, serving as the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III during the 18th Dynasty (c. 1390–1336 BCE). She was renowned not only for her political influence but also for her intelligence, diplomatic skills, and prominent role in religious and state affairs.

Tiye was the daughter of Yuya and Thuya, a noble couple, which made her rise to power notable as she was not of royal blood. Her marriage to Amenhotep III strengthened the king’s alliances and elevated her status to one of the most powerful women of her time. Artistic depictions of Tiye often emphasize her striking features, including her elongated face and prominent cheekbones, and she is frequently shown alongside the pharaoh in statues and reliefs, symbolizing her intimate partnership in governance.

Her legacy endured through her children, including Akhenaten, the pharaoh who later initiated Egypt’s controversial religious reforms. Tiye’s life and influence reflect a rare combination of political acumen, cultural patronage, and enduring historical significance in New Kingdom Egypt.