The Abbott Papyrus - currently on display in the British Museum, London - is an important document dating from the the reign of Ramesses IX (1126-1108 BC). It sheds light on an intriguing poltical spat between the mayors of the eastern and western parts of Thebes, prompted by one suspecting the other of having a hand in the plundering of tombs in the necropolis of Thebes. According to Dr Zahi Hawass, it represents “the first account of a tomb robbery.”
It details how Paser - mayor of eastern Thebes - set up a commission to investigate tomb robberies in Thebes. The commission reported that only one tomb was found to have been tampered with - that of King Sobekemzaf II of the Seventeenth Dynasty (about 1650-1550 BC). It appears to reflect badly on Paser - something that can perhaps be attributed to the fact that it seems to be written from the perspective of Paser's rival, Paweraa.
Paser had suspected that Paweraa was involved with the tomb robberies in some way. Scholars have speculated that Paweraa used his influence to cast the blame back on Paser, via this document, to cover his own tracks.
Standing on the west bank of the Nile, across from ancient Thebes (now Luxor), the Valley of the Kings is one of Egypts most sensitive archaeological sites. Further discoveries in 2005 and 2008 have put the total number of tombs in the necropolis at 63 and these range from simple, single pits to lavish complexes, the largest of which comprises 120 chambers. The tombs contain important artwork helping scholars to piece together information about ancient Egyptian burial rites and beliefs and, although most of the tombs were plundered centuries ago, they still convey the oppulence and luxury which characterised the lives of their occupants. The first tombs in the valley are thought to belong to Amenhotep I and Thutmose I, whose tomb bears notes recording that its location was selected by the king's adviser, Ineni. Further tombs are cut into the peak of al-Qurn, which would once have been guarded by special tomb police.
