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The Tombs of the Nobles
The northern hills of the west bank are filled with the rock-hewn tombs of
princes from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. The tombs are decorated from
the inside with vivid wall paintings showing scenes of everyday life,
hieroglyphic biographies and inscriptions telling of the noblemen's journeys
into Africa.
The Tombs of the Nobles actually comprises a number of distinct areas on
the West Bank at modern Luxor (Ancient Thebes). These areas mostly lie in five
different regions.
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tombs discovered:
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Rekhmire
The vizier under Tuthmosis III and Amenhotep II was responsible for taxation,
justice and foreign policy. The reliefs in his tomb depicts tribute being
brought to Egypt, a procession of African beast and goods and Rekhmire's
coronation a vizier.
Sennefer
Was mayor of Thebes and overseer of the gardens of Amun during the reign
of Amenhotep II. The antechamber of his tomb is decorated with reliefs of grape
arbors.
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Menna
Hunting and fishing scenes adorn the chambers of this 28th dynasty estate
inspector's tomb.
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Nakht
This tomb contains well-preserved reliefs of everyday country life.
Ramose
Was governor of Thebes during Amenhotep IV's reign. Work was begun on this
impressive tomb in the classical Egyptian style, but on into the tomb, changed
to the Amarnan style. This was because Amenhotep IV had become Akhenaton. When
Akhenaton went to Amarna, Ramose followed, thus leaving the tomb unfinished.
Userhat
The royal scribe and tutor decorated his tomb with hunting scenes and barbers
cutting hair.
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Khaemhat
The royal scribe and granary inspector's tomb bears reliefs of harvests,
unloading of boats, a market scene, and cattle herds. Of interest is a relief
of a complete set of instruments employed in the Opening of the Mouth ritual.
Yuya
There are some scholars that have long believed that Yuya was Joseph of the
Bible. Like Joseph, Yuya was a non-royal descendant that became the highest
ranked official during the reign of Tuthmosis IV and Amenhotep III. The
contents of the tomb can be seen at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
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