Ruia was the father of Queen Tuya, who was the wife of Seti I (1306-1290 B.C.). Tuya was a commoner and was married to Seti before Horemhab selected Ramesses I (Seti's father) as heir to the throne. Ruia, who was commander of chariots in the Egyptian army, a force that was reinstated and strengthened by Horemhab, was a veteran campaigner. He and his wife, Raia, were both buried at Thebes.