Discussion

 A direct comparison between the preparation of the bodies into the afterlife is impossible because the body of Nefertari was never found. However, it is assumed that the preparations of her body would be similar to that of Ramesses' because she was his wife, and Queen, rendering her of high status. Therefore, they would have had to make sure she was properly prepared for the afterlife. Her preparation was never stated specifically, but we can infer that her organs were removed and placed in canopic jars prior to her body being wrapped in layers of linen. In Ancient Egyptian society, females were thought to not have a role in rebirth, so in order to be reborn in the afterlife they had to undergo a gender change during the mummification process. This gender change was brought about through the artwork on her sarcophagus.  In comparing the grave goods and sarcophagus of Ramesses II and Nefertari was difficult as in Ramesses II’s tomb only his sarcophagus was left, the material was calcite whereas the material which is thought to be pink granite.  We are unaware at this point whether there was any symbolic importance in the type of stone used. However we are unable to compare the grave goods as both were robbed in antiquity, although several objects were left behind in Nefertari’s tomb.

When comparing the artwork in the tombs of Ramesses II and Nefertari, there are a few main difficulties.  First of all, the tomb of Ramesses II had been excessively flooded, washing away most evidence of painted artwork on the walls.  The tomb of Nefertari is covered in meaningful artwork designed to aid her on her journey to the afterlife.  The tomb of Ramesses II lacks paintings, but there are interesting carvings in the walls.  The engravings in the wall of the Ramesses II chamber relate mostly to his family, notably one engraving of Nefertari.  The one thing the two have in common are the idea that they are both buried alongside meaningful imagery that was designed to help smooth the way for the journey into the afterlife. 

Comparing the hieroglyphs in Queen Nefertari's Tomb to Ramesses II's tomb, there is an apparent difference between the two.  There is an absence of hieroglyphs in Ramesses II's tomb due to to numerous floodings.  While Queen Nefertari's Tomb has an abundance of beautiful hieroglyphic vingettes and quotes from the Book of the Dead.  I hypothesize that if there were to still be present hieroglyphs within Ramesses II's tomb, they would be almost identical to the text found in Queen Nefertari's tomb.  This is because, the texts used to adorn Queen Nefertari's tomb are usually used only for the tombs of those of the male sex.  Because of Queen Nefertari's great status she was granted almost the same rights as any king.  With regards to monuments comparison, while we are aware there are monuments pertaining to Ramesses II and we have certainly illustrated Queen Nefertari's own monumental legacy, Ramesses II's monuments were not discussed in detail.