Queen Ahhotep of Ancient Egypt

She helped protect and restore order in southern Egypt, supported the fight against the Hyksos, and helped preserve the stability that allowed Egypt to reunite under her son, Ahmose I.

The Queen Who Held Her Ground

More than 3,500 years ago, Egypt was divided.

The Hyksos ruled much of the north. An Egyptian royal family ruled the south.

Ahhotep belonged to that family.

Her son, Ahmose I, helped defeat the Hyksos and reunite Egypt.

But Ahhotep had her own role.

A stone record at Karnak praised her for gathering soldiers, protecting refugees, bringing back soldiers who had left, and restoring order in Upper Egypt.

Adomaa read the words twice.

"She helped hold a country together."

"Not every leader carries a sword," Kweku said.

"Some carry a whole country."

The Hands Behind the Gold

Inside the museum, gold bracelets, daggers, axes, and necklaces rested behind glass.

Three golden flies caught Adomaa's eye.

But she looked past the gold.

"Who made these?"