TT319

TT319 is an ancient royal tomb at Deir el-Bahari where limestone slabs are carved into Theban rock, creating a chapel and burial chamber decorated with raised relief scenes and wall paintings. The interior preserves these elaborate depictions, which span multiple chambers within the hillside.

The tomb was discovered between 1924 and 1925 by Henri Emile Naville and belonged to Neferu II, wife of King Mentuhotep II around 2000 BC. It comes from a period when rulers placed their family members in such carved rock burials.

Wall decorations show Neferu with hairdressers and servants, offering views into the daily life and religious practices of ancient Egyptian nobility.

The tomb sits beneath the Temple of Hatshepsut on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor and is accessible from above via the temple complex. Entry is through a carefully preserved opening that was maintained during later construction work.

When builders worked on the Temple of Hatshepsut, they recognized the older burial site and deliberately chose to preserve an entrance passage to it. This choice allows visitors today to see both the later temple above and the much earlier tomb beneath it.

GPS coordinates: 25.73819,32.60750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:45