Queen Tausert's tomb usurped by Setnakht reveals political instability of late New Kingdom. Queen Tausert (also Tawosret) was last ruler of 19th dynasty, died around 1188 BCE Setnakht founded 20th dynasty and usurped her tomb when he died in 1186 BCE Decorative program altered: Setnakht's administration erased her legitimacy
Queen Tausert, last ruler of Egypt's 19th dynasty, saw her 112m tomb usurped by Setnakht, who erased her legitimacy from the decorative program. Yet feminine details like dressing tables and mirrors remain—silent witnesses to political upheaval around 1186 BCE. 👑😔
Key Facts
- Queen Tausert (also Tawosret) was last ruler of 19th dynasty, died around 1188 BCE
- Setnakht founded 20th dynasty and usurped her tomb when he died in 1186 BCE
- Decorative program altered: Setnakht's administration erased her legitimacy
- Original feminine imagery preserved including dressing tables and mirrors along tomb edges
- Tomb has two burial chambers with total length of 112 meters
- Sarcophagus reconstructed from broken pieces; lid in decent condition carries royal image, inscriptions, and hieroglyphs
- Tomb admits political instability and reveals strain on system
Related site: Absalom's Tomb — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Dangerous System Behind Egypt’s Royal Tombs by World of Antiquity