The discovery of the mummy of an adolescent boy between Queen Tiye and her daughter, known as The Younger Lady, in Tomb KV35 provides a rare and poignant insight into the royal world of Ancient Egypt. This young prince’s remains not only offer valuable information about royal burial practices, but they also bring to light the life and identity of a potential heir to the throne. What makes this discovery particularly compelling is the boy’s distinctive “side-lock of youth,” a hairstyle symbolic of childhood and royal status in Egypt.
The “Side-Lock of Youth” and Its Significance
The side-lock of youth, a characteristic hairstyle for Egyptian children, particularly princes, consists of a shaved head with a single long plait growing from the crown. This distinctive feature was more than just a fashion statement; it represented youth, fertility, and divine protection. The side-lock was associated with the lunar god Khonsu, who embodied renewal and youthfulness, thus linking the prince to divine favor.
In the case of this mummy, the boy’s long, wavy brown hair suggests that the plait may have unraveled over time, but it still points to his royal status and the cultural significance of this hairstyle. The side-lock was a common element in Egyptian reliefs and statuettes, seen across various dynasties as a marker of childhood and the potential for greatness. The fact that this boy bore such a recognizable symbol emphasizes his importance as a member of the royal family, and likely as an heir to the throne.
Identifying the Young Prince
Egyptologists have proposed two primary candidates for the identity of this young prince: Prince Webensenu and Prince Thutmose. Prince Webensenu was the son of Amenhotep II and the brother of Thutmose IV, while Prince Thutmose, the eldest son of Queen Tiye and Amenhotep III, was an heir whose early death paved the way for his younger brother, Amenhotep IV (later known as Akhenaten), to ascend the throne.
The connection to Prince Thutmose is particularly intriguing, as his death at a young age meant that his brother would eventually become one of Egypt’s most famous rulers. The mummified prince could, therefore, have been an important figure in the royal succession, with his untimely death altering the course of Egyptian history. His identity remains a subject of debate, but either way, this mummy represents the fragility of royal life and the high hopes placed on young heirs in Ancient Egypt.
The Affection for the Pet Cat
One of the most fascinating aspects of Prince Thutmose’s life is his famous affection for his pet cat, Ta-Miu. His love for the animal was so profound that he had a special sarcophagus made for it, an object now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This unusual detail speaks volumes about the personal side of royal life in Ancient Egypt. It reflects not only the emotional bonds that existed between members of the royal family and their pets but also the unique cultural values of the time.
The presence of the cat’s sarcophagus emphasizes the humanity of the young prince, who might otherwise be remembered only in the context of royal succession and political power. This personal connection to an animal is a touching reminder that even in the grandeur of royal life, emotional attachments and personal stories were an essential part of the fabric of Egyptian society.
Conclusion: A Window into Royal Life
The mummy of this young prince offers more than just an archaeological find; it opens a window into the complexities of royal life in Ancient Egypt. Through the distinctive side-lock hairstyle, the possible identity of the boy, and his emotional attachment to his pet cat, this mummy provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of Egypt’s royal family. His remains reveal the intersection of divine associations, royal expectations, and the tragic reality of an early death that changed the course of history. This discovery reminds us that beneath the grandeur of pharaohs and their legacies, there were individuals—young, beloved, and full of potential—whose stories may have been lost to time, but whose remains continue to speak to us today.
