Temples’ Representations in Theban Private Tombs: Location Significance

Overview & Synopsis

Ancient Egyptians paid attention to choose the scenes to depict on the tomb walls. They believed that these scenes, which commemorated their life’s accomplishments, would help them in the afterlife. The distribution of the scenes upon the walls of the tomb made was not random but systematic and ordered. This paper investigates whether ancient Egyptian artists placed images of temples on tomb walls with reference to their actual locations. It also examines the relationships between the tomb owners’ titles and the temple representations in their tombs. A survey was conducted of temples' representations in the New Kingdom Theban private tombs. Moreover, tomb owners' titles and their relationship to the represented temples are studied. This was done to compare the location of the temples’ representations upon the tombs’ walls and their actual locations, examine the symbolism of their locations, understand their significance and contribution to the overall function of the tomb.