Tomb Families: Private Tomb Distribution in the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis

Tomb Families explores the distribution of New Kingdom private tombs in the Theban Necropolis, analyzing factors such as location, reign, and connections to the sacred landscape of Thebes. GPS surveying reveals clusters and patterns among tombs, demonstrating their significance to specific individuals and groups.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

Tomb Families delves into the seemingly haphazard arrangement of private tombs within the Theban Necropolis, shedding light on the factors that may have shaped their locations. The Theban Necropolis, housing hundreds of tombs belonging to esteemed individuals, spans from the end of the Old Kingdom to the Ptolemaic Period, with the majority dating back to the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1077 BC). These tombs are scattered across the desert landscape, situated at the fringe of the Valley of the Kings to the west and the row of royal mortuary temples along the eastern edge of cultivation. Through the use of GPS surveying, these tombs have been analyzed spatially, revealing that specific areas within the necropolis experienced varying popularity at different times and among distinct groups of people. Clusters and patterns emerge between tombs constructed during the same reign(s), as well as between tomb owners sharing similar titles and familial connections. The orientation of certain tombs towards Karnak temple, royal mortuary temples, and festival processional routes underscores their significance to specific individuals. This research offers a profound insight into the necropolis and its interconnectedness with the broader sacred landscape of Thebes.

Weight: 1440g
Dimension: 206 x 292 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803270364