The Tomb Of Amenhotep I
Amenhotep I was the second Pharaoh who ruled in the 18th Dynasty in ancient Egypt and is said to have ruled from 1526 until 1506 BC. His parents were Ahmose I and Ahmose-Nefertari, and his elder brothers were not expected to inherit the throne. Amenhotep became the crown prince under unusual circumstances and ruled for 21 years. He was involved in rebuilding temples and mortuary complexes in Egypt; he was the first to initiate separate tombs and mortuary temples, a trend that remained in practice throughout the New Kingdom. After dying, Amenhotep I was defined as a patron god who lived in Deir el-Medina.
About Tomb KV 39
Tomb KV 39 in the Valley of the Kings is believed to be the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep I. It is located where the village de reposile. The tomb's location and architectural plan are unique compared to most other tombs.
KV 39 is said to be a mysterious tomb and the oldest in this valley. Many assumptions were made about who this tomb belonged to, but after the remains were found, it was speculated that it was the burial place of Amenhotep I. The cracksThe tomb has many cracks, giving one the impression that it could crumble at any moment.
The Unusual plan of KV 39
Initially, it appeared as an ordinary corridor but was later found abandoned as the first chamber ended. Following this was a second long descending corridor leading to the east, with stairs in two sets ending in a section. Towards the south of this chamber, stairs led to another passage that ended in a stairway and another chamber, the southern chamber. Inside this last chamber was a pit where stone slabs covered coffins.
The Discovery of Tomb KV 39
Tomb KV 39 was discovered in the year 1900 by two local Luxor residents, Macarius and Andraos, who, for reasons unknown, did not examine it thoroughly. Later, Dr. John Rose read the tomb beginning in 1989 and continuing for several years. His final report revealed that the tomb indeed belonged to Amenhotep I.
Recent Findings
Most recent excavations of KV 39 led to the finding of 150 bags of potsherds, pieces of wooden coffins, calcite, mud jar sealings, metal fragments, cordage, human skeletal remains of 9 people, and botanical specimens. Sandstone dockets bearing cartouches in the blue of Tuthmosis I, Tuthmosis II, and Amenhotep II were also found.
Calcite fragments containing the name of a renowned pharaoh of the 18th dynasty and a gold signet ring with a name were also found on the site. The final report, however, could not be published by John Rose due to his sudden death. After that, the excavation work slowed down and almost paused. The debris still needs to be examined to learn more about the secrets and mystery of the exceptional KV 39 tomb.
