TT20, Ancient tomb in Dra' Abu el-Naga', Egypt.
TT20 is a rock-cut tomb in Dra' Abu el-Naga' within the Theban Necropolis on the west bank of the Nile, across from Luxor. Its interior features painted walls with detailed scenes of ritual and daily life activities.
The tomb belonged to Mentuhirkhepeshef, a fan-bearer and mayor of Tjebu under Pharaoh Thutmosis III. It was built during the 18th Dynasty, a period of great power and artistic wealth.
The interior walls display scenes from burial ceremonies and daily Egyptian activities, such as people transporting coffins, showing how the New Kingdom people viewed the afterlife. These scenes reveal what was important to those who commissioned the tomb.
The tomb is part of a cluster with many other graves, so plan time to explore multiple sites in the area. The walk is accessible on foot, but the path over uneven ground requires good shoes and water.
An unusual scene depicts an ass giving birth, a rare image in tombs from this period. Nearby are hunting scenes with wild horses and Nubian captives, documenting lesser-known aspects of New Kingdom life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
