Elite tombs at Dra` Abu el-Naga reveal New Kingdom officials' responses to state crisis. Dra` Abu el-Naga served as burial ground for elite officials for approximately 2,500 years from end of 11th dynasty (around 2000 BCE) through Coptic period Tomb of Harry dates to beginning of 18th dynasty, contemporary with Ahmose I Tomb of Jehuti dates to around 1470 BCE, served as overseer of treasury during Hatshepsut's reign
Dra` Abu el-Naga necropolis on Luxor's west bank has yielded three New Kingdom tombs belonging to senior statesmen, according to an Egyptian archaeological mission. The discovery confirms the site's importance as a burial ground for nobles and officials across the New Kingdom period (~1550–1070 BCE). The tombs belonged to senior officials who held important administrative positions during ancient Egypt's most prosperous era.
Key Facts
- Dra` Abu el-Naga served as burial ground for elite officials for approximately 2,500 years from end of 11th dynasty (around 2000 BCE) through Coptic period
- Tomb of Harry dates to beginning of 18th dynasty, contemporary with Ahmose I
- Tomb of Jehuti dates to around 1470 BCE, served as overseer of treasury during Hatshepsut's reign
- Tomb of Roy built during reign of Horemheb contains funeral and afterlife scenes
- Tomb of Amanope from early 20th dynasty during Ramesses III's reign shows official serving as third prophet of Amun
- Tombs show archaism and emphasis on tradition during period of state strain
- Dra` Abu el-Naga contains diverse burial types including royal pyramid tombs of 17th dynasty, rock-cut chapels, and shaft tombs
Related site: Dra` Abu el-Naga — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: When the Sea Peoples Nearly Broke Egypt by World of Antiquity