Description of the attraction
Aswan in ancient times was not a city, people during this period settled around the island of Elephantine, where the rulers and kings of Nubia lived. For this reason, the necropolis of the kings and royal family of Nubia was located nearby, next to the island, in what is today known as the tombs of the nobility in Aswan.
The burials located in the area of the West Bank of the Nile are perfectly preserved and provide an opportunity to learn about the history of Egypt during the period of the Ancient and Middle Kingdoms. They were discovered by the British archaeologist Lord Greenville in 1885 and became the first explorer of this important historical site.
The tombs of the nobility in Aswan are called Gubad El-Hawa in some reference books, it is one of the most visited monuments in Upper Egypt. The frescoes inside are amazingly picturesque, reflecting the daily life of the ancient Egyptians and are a magnificent example of ancient art. The most important and beautiful are the tombs of Harkhuf, Sarenput II, Sabni and Mekkho. The entrance to the Mekkho tomb is carried out along diagonally carved steps - this technique facilitated the movement of the body of the deceased with the help of wooden and stone skates.
Mekkho was a prince of the 6th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, the son of King Pepi II, who died on one of the royal journeys. Inside the tomb, on the right wall, there is a fresco depicting the prince and his wife in traditional dress during an offering to the gods, as well as several other scenes from everyday life. It was customary in Ancient Egypt to decorate the first chamber of the tomb with scenes from the daily life of the deceased. Further to the right, false doors are visible, and several more frescoes.
The burial chamber of the Mekkho tomb is supported by 18 columns with many plots and inscriptions, which are divided into three rows. One of the walls depicts a scene of Anubis and Osiris praying for Mekkho against a background of agricultural-themed frescoes.
The tomb of Sabni, son of Mekkho, is a continuation of the tomb of his father. A luxurious corridor, divided into two sections, leads to the burial, opening into a hall with 14 square columns and fishing scenes on all walls. An important feature of the tomb of Sabni is the scenes that tell the story of the prince's journey for the body of his deceased father; this is one of the historical evidence of the peculiarities of the Egyptians' mentality during this period and their perception of life, death and immortality.
The temple and tomb of Sarenput II is perhaps the best of the tombs of the nobility in Aswan. Sarenput II was the son of the Nubian king and the crown prince, the high priest of the temple of the gods Khnum and San, the commander-in-chief of the Egyptian army during the reign of Amenmehat II (12th dynasty). The tomb begins with a courtyard supported by six columns, on the right side there is a granite slab bearing the name of the owner of the tomb. This is followed by a corridor with wall paintings dedicated to the life of the nobleman and his son. In another room with four columns, the titles of Sarenput II are indicated in hieroglyphic letters.
The ruler of the island of Elephantine and the surrounding area, Harkhuf, who lived during the 6th dynasty between 2345 and 2181 BC. BC, was one of the first people buried in the tombs of the nobility in Aswan. His grave also has a traditional courtyard at the entrance, its façade is decorated with frescoes of the life of a noble ruler, the next room is a rectangular hall with a corridor leading to the sarcophagus.
