An Introduction To KV2 - Ramesses IV
Tomb KV2 in the Valley of the Kings is the burial place of Ramesses IV. Ramesses IV was the successor of Ramesses III, who was killed. When his father was assassinated, Ramesses IV took over the throne. At the time, Egypt was facing an economic decline and was going through a challenging phase in its history. KV2 is different than most other tombs in this area and more significant. It is constructed but still unique in several ways. In 1829, the tomb was used as a hotel where early explorers like Champollion, Robert Hay, Rossellini, Theodore Davis, Furst Puckler, and others used to stay. The tomb was significant as a Coptic Christian dwelling and was used in antiquity. The tomb walls also display a large amount of Coptic and Greek graffiti.
Details About The Tomb
The intended design is said to have been cut short due to limited availability. Also, the tomb is said to have two sketch plans, the most popular of which has been completed on papyrus and is now in Turin. The decoration used in KV2 is still intact and successfully reveals the use of several elements as done originally. The first two passages in the tomb have scenes from the Litany of Re, while the third is decorated with parts of the Book of Caverns. On the other hand, the Anteroom is decorated with the Book of the Dead, and the Burial chamber mixes new and old works. Walls in the tomb have parts of Amduat, Book of Gates, Book of the Heavens, and Decan lists. The coffin is broken at one end, the lid is missing, and the mummy of the king was once removed.
The tomb's facade is decorated with illustrations of the king's coronation and pictures of Isis and Nephyths venerating the sun disk. The interior ceilings have paintings of vultures, falcons, and winged scarabs with spread wings.
Noteworthy Features Of KV2
The tomb's downward slope is a rare feature. The opening of the spilled stairway at the entrance into three corridors is another noteworthy feature. The ending of the last chamber into the antechamber and a burial chamber is another rare thing. Another remarkable feature is the absence of lateral annexes in the tomb and a few small annexes on the burial chamber's rear end. Another feature that seems rare is the unusual width and height of the corridors.
Discovery Of KV2
The tomb was first discovered by Edward Ayrton during 1905-1906, after which Howard Carter excavated it again in 1920. Shabtis, many ostraca, fragments of wood, faience, and glass were some things that both of these Egyptologists found inside the tomb.
The tomb of Ramesses IV is said to contain the second-highest number of ancient graffiti: 656 individual pieces that Greeks and Roisitors have left behind.
