Horemheb's Tomb gets Breath of Fresh Air
Visits to the Valley of the Kings will feel a little more complete this week, after the tomb of the 18th Dynasty's last pharaoh Horemheb was opened to the public, following some high-tech wizardry to keep its magnificent paintings intact. Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities has employed a German company to install the technology, which officials are monitoring closely to see if it is worth rolling the system out across the entire necropolis.
Enthusiasts will be thrilled to get a glimpse at the tomb of one of Tutankhamun's closest allies
Many enthusiasts will be thrilled to finally get a glimpse of the tomb, which is unique for a number of reasons. Rather than mere painted walls, the tomb is adorned with beautiful bas-reliefs, most of which have retained their multicoloured lustre thanks to being inundated with debris from flash floods over the centuries. It is also the first to have contained scenes from the Book of Gates, and was was excavated by the pre-eminent 20th century archaeologist Edward Ayrton. Horemheb was one of the key figures in the difficult Amarna Period of 18th Dynasty Egypt, and advised Tutankhamun on reforms including moving the capital back from Amarna to Memphis as Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Following a short reign by another general, Ay, Horemheb conducted a careful and steady reign which brought stability to a nation ravaged by the religious extremism of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, before welcoming in the 19th Dynasty by introducing Ramesses I to the Egyptian throne.
Coming soon: Heritage Key will have exclusive access to more unique photos taken by Sandro Vannini inside the tomb.
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