Amarna Tomb 1

Huya's tomb lies among the northern tombs of Tell el-Amarna and contains detailed wall paintings showing banquet scenes, processions, and daily activities of the royal family. The walls are covered with scenes depicting Pharaoh Akhenaten, Nefertiti, their daughters, and royal guests engaged in various activities.

This tomb was built in the 14th century BC under Pharaoh Akhenaten, who sparked a brief revolution in religion and art. Huya served as treasurer and royal steward, making him one of the closest officials to Queen Tiye and the royal household.

The scenes show how the pharaoh and his family shared everyday moments together, which was unusual for earlier Egyptian tombs. This intimate portrayal of family life gives visitors today a rare glimpse into personal relationships at the royal court.

The tomb is located about 2 hours from Luxor in a remote valley, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential for visiting. The interior is quite dark, so bringing a flashlight helps you see the wall paintings fully.

The tomb shows an unusual scene where Queen Tiye is depicted dining directly alongside Akhenaten and Nefertiti, which was rare in Egyptian art of that time. This kind of portrayal of women in positions beside the pharaoh was uncommon and reflects the distinctive circumstances under Akhenaten.