Twosret

Twosret is a variant of the name Tausret, also spelled Tawosret. Tausret derives from the Egyptian tꜣ-wsrt, meaning "mighty lady" – a combination of the feminine determiner tꜣ, wsr "mighty, powerful", and the feminine suffix t.

Historical Significance

Twosret (d. 1188 BC) was the last known ruler of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. She is recorded in Manetho's Epitome as "Thuoris, who in Homer is called Polybus, husband of Alcandra, and in whose time Troy was taken." Manetho says she ruled Egypt for seven years, but that figure likely includes the nearly six-year reign of her predecessor, Siptah. Twosret assumed Siptah's regnal years as her own. Her sole independent reign may have lasted only one and a half to three years, evidence from her memorial temple at Gournah suggests a regnal year 9, indicating a longer tenure is possible.

Cultural Context

As one of the few female pharaohs, Twosret broke gender norms in ancient Egypt. Her name, literally "mighty lady," reflects her power and authority. Variants of the name include Tausret and Tawosret.

• Meaning: "Mighty lady"
• Origin: Ancient Egyptian
• Type: Pharaoh's name
• Usage Regions: Ancient Egypt