Tomb of Rekhmire, Ancient tomb in Sheikh Abd el-Qurna necropolis, Egypt

The Tomb of Rekhmire is a rock-cut tomb in the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna necropolis with a T-shaped layout that leads from an entrance vestibule through to chapel chambers. The inner walls are covered with detailed paintings depicting craftsmanship, agriculture, and administrative duties from ancient Egypt.

Rekhmire served at the end of Thutmose III's reign, and his appointment was confirmed by Amenhotep II. During Amenhotep II's reign his figure and those of his wife Meryt were chiselled away, and about a century later, under Akhenaten, all symbols of the god Amun were removed. No burial chamber adjoins the chapel, and no evidence shows he was buried here; his actual tomb may lie in the Valley of the Kings.

The walls show scenes of foreign delegations bringing tributes, revealing how ancient Egypt maintained diplomatic relationships with neighboring lands. These depictions demonstrate the international importance of the person buried in this tomb.

Access involves walking through an extended vestibule leading to smaller chambers, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. Lighting is limited in the interior, so bringing a flashlight or headlamp helps you see the fine details of the painted walls.

The vestibule walls contain five distinct painted panels showing a complete picture of Theban life, from hunting and winemaking to the recording of gold collected as temple taxes. These sequential scenes offer a rare visual record of daily economic life during this period.