Nefertiti is presented as a strong and independent woman from the very first scene and throughout the episode. She is a fervent feminist and embodies the archetypal concept of royalty: she is firm, resolute, charming, and cares for her people. As pointed out by Dr. Zinn in her lecture “When Nefertiti met the Dinosaurs on a Spaceship” (see link in webography), the queen’s character in this episode potentially reflects the way in which Nefertiti was actually perceived in ancient times (or how she titled herself): “Heiress of great favour, possessor of charm, sweet [of love …], mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt, [...] Lady of the Two Lands” (Murnane, Texts from the Amarna Period in Egypt, 1995, S. 37 [10-H]).

As for her physical appearance in the episode, Nefertiti wears the iconic headdress belonging to her most famous bust, now held at the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung in Berlin (ÄM 21300). This detail is quite crucial, since it is employed as a symbol of identification. In fact, all her garments are ancient Egyptian in style, but it is thanks to the headdress that the queen is easily recognisable for the audience at first glance.

The actress who plays the queen, Riann Steele, is African American, which can be examined in the light of the main issues related to ancient Egyptian ethnicity and the cultural bond to the contemporary Egyptian population.

Author: Valentina Santini