TT23

TT23 is an ancient tomb in the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna necropolis on the western bank opposite Luxor and contains numerous wall paintings showing its owner and his family. The interior walls are covered with scenes of ceremonies and daily life that preserve important details from that era.

The tomb was built during the 19th Dynasty under Pharaoh Merenptah, when Tjay served as a royal scribe managing official communications. His burial was an important documented event that preserved his positions and achievements.

The wall images show how important military officials and scribes were in Egyptian society, depicting their daily tasks and formal ceremonies. These scenes tell us about the work and social standing of men like Tjay in his era.

The tomb is located in the valley of noble tombs on the western bank of the Nile and sits among hundreds of similar structures. Visitors should expect stairs and narrow passages inside and bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water.

A special scene shows Tjay receiving rewards directly from the Pharaoh, a rare document from that time showing formal recognition of officials. Such scenes are seldom found in other tombs and offer direct insight into the reward system of the court.