Ayim

Ayim, also known as Ayim-Hamu or Ayim-Hamu of the River, was a Nubian queen and regent of the Kushite Kingdom. She is believed to have reigned in the early 8th century BCE, during a period of significant political and cultural development in Nubia. While concrete details about her life are scarce, surviving inscriptions and archaeological evidence provide glimpses into her importance.

Ayim is primarily known for her role as the mother of Piye, the founder of the 25th Dynasty of Egypt, which was of Kushite origin. She is depicted in inscriptions as a powerful and respected figure, often referred to as "King's Mother" and "Great Royal Wife." This suggests she held considerable influence within the Kushite court and played a role in shaping the political landscape that led to the Kushite conquest of Egypt.

Her epithet "of the River" likely refers to her connection to the Nile River, the lifeblood of Nubia and a central element of Kushite identity and power. Ayim's patronage of religious and cultural activities is also inferred from her titles and the contexts in which her name appears. She represents a prominent female leader in ancient Nubian history, contributing to the kingdom's growing prominence and its eventual dominion over Egypt.