Tombs of the Nobles

Of the several thousand nobles’ tombs identified in the Theban Necropolis, nineteen are today open to the public. They span a period of nearly hundred years, from the mid-18 dynasty onward.

If time does not permit such a tour, then one should at least visit TT100: Rekhmire and TT 55:Ramose, the first with superb painting of daily life, the second with relief carving of outstanding quality. It is  the detail in these tomb’s decoration that reward the visitors, and it is much better to explore a few tombs slowly than to hurry through several. The walk from parking areas to the tombs of the Nobles can be equally enjoyable, and one should note the mud-brick houses decorated with Hajj paintings that line the footpaths, and the views of the Nile Valley to the east.

Tombs of the Nobles |The Tomb of Ramose TT55

This tomb belongs to the vizier in the reigns of Amenhotepl III and IV. It comprises a main hall with thirty-two rather squat papyrus columns, an inner hall containing eight cluster columns of smaller dimension (all destroyed) and the shrine. The tomb of Ramose is of historical importancebecause it is one of the few standing monuments in Luxor of the period of transition from the worship of Amon-Ra to the Aten under Akhenaten.

The tomb gives us a unique opportunity to see conventional 18th Dynasty representations alongside the realism that associated with the Amarna period. The reliefs to left and right of the entrance gateway are in the conventional style,typical of the beginning  of Amenhotep IV’s reign. To the left, Ramose sits with his relatives, all of whom wear wigs. The figures are unpainted a part from the eyes. To the right are scenes of worship, offerings and religious ceremonies. Another traditional representation is on the left-hand rear  wall, which shows Amenhotep IV in stylized, customary treatment, he had not yet changed his name to Akhenaten or moved the capital. he sits beneath a canopy with Maat, goddess of Truth. Ramose himself is twice represented before the throne.

On the right hand rear wall we see the young pharaoh, who stands with his royal consort Nefertiti  on a balcony, depicted on the Amarna style and attitude. Ramose is being decorated with gold chains. Akhenaten is portrayed with his belly extended, in the unflattering realism. Above the figures is the life giving sun, the Aten, with fourteen rays, four of them hold symbols of life and happiness. Two support Akhenaten’s arms. Another offers the symbol of life to the nostrils of the queen.

On the left hand wall is an expressive relief of a group of mourners. Grief comes down the centuries in the heart tending funerary convoy. The men carry boxes covered with foliage, a jar of water and flowers. A group of grieving women turn towards the funeral bier and fling their arms  about, tears stream down their cheeks. One woman is supported by a sympathetic attendant, others beat their breasts and thighs in grief , gather dust to scatter on their heads as a sign of bereavement.

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Dayr al-Madina (The Ancient Village)

The Ancient Village and Worker’s Tombs

Several architectural and decorative differences set the tombs of the craftsmen and workers who lived in the Village of Dayr al-Madina apart from other private tombs at Thebes (Luxor) . The tombs here had forecourts defined by a low mudbrick wall that might enclose a garden and pond. Behind, stood a small pyramid, never more that 10 meters high, that could contain a small chamber or stela niche. ( This was the last pyramid to be incorporated into the plan of an Egyptian tomb.)

Tombs at Dayr al-Madina were crowded together on the hillside immediately west of the village. Space was at a premium here, and tombs were used by entire families

Of the three tombs at Dayr al-Madina currently open to public ( TT1: Sennedjem, TT3:Pashedu, and TT359:Inherkhau), that of Pashedu is both the most beautifully decorated and least visited.

Worker’s Tombs | The Tomb of Sennedjem TT

This is the tomb of the servant in the palace of Truth in the reign of Ramses II. A narrow flight of stairs leads us to a single chamber with a low curved roof. Opposite the entrance are two particularly noteworthy scenes. To the left Anubis god of mummification, leans over the mummy of the dead person which lies on a lion-headed couch, and Osiris is depicted before an offering table flanked by two protective Horus eyes. To the right, is a fine formal funerary feast with the presentation of offerings and perfumes, and the dead is led by Anubis.

The roof is decorated with scenes showing the opening of the door of the tomb, the journey to the underworld is different chapters. The delightful agricultural scene on the right-hand wall, showing ripe wheat fields, fruits and flowers, is undoubtedly a vision of what the tombs owner hoped to enjoy in the afterlife.[/dt_sc_toggle_framed]

Worker’s Tombs | The Tomb of Pashedu TT3

He was the servant in the palace of truth under the later Ramessides. A steep staircase leads to a vaulted corridors with Anubis depicted on each wall, and the burial chamber where the sarcophagus usually made of limestone slabs rather than a single block of stone, stood against the rear wall.

The tow long walls are decorated with  conventional scenes of Pashedu and his relatives adoring the gods. On the right hand entrance wall, you can see the deceased crouches in prayers beside a decorative palm-tree which grows by the side of the lake.[/dt_sc_toggle_framed]

Worker’s Tombs | The Tomb of Inherkhau TT359

This tomb belongs to the supervisor  of the necropolis in the 20th Dynasty. Its decorations, not surprisingly, is extremely good, specially in the inner most chamber where the deceased is depicted with a group of his family members receiving the statue of Osiris. He is also depicted with his wife holding candles and listening to the harp player. On the right hand wall Inherkhau can be seen adoring lions, guardians of two horizons which came to represent today and tomorrow.