Nefertari was the favourite wife of Ramesses II, the first of eight that he married during his long reign of 67 years. Nefertari seems to have belonged to a high-ranking family but was not herself royal. It is thought she originated from Thebes as she is always called 'Beloved of Mut', Mut being an important goddess in the Theban area. Although given the title 'Mother of the King' and had several sons, they all seem to have died before their father.