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 both 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 the rebuilding of 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 location of the tomb and its plan of architecture are unique from most other tombs.
KV 39 is said to be a mysterious tomb as well as the oldest in this valley. Many assumptions were made about who this tomb belonged to, but after the remains were found, it is speculated that this tomb was the burial place of Amenhotep I. There are many cracks in the tomb, 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 later was found abandoned as the first chamber ended. Following this was a second long descending corridor that led to the east having stairs in two sets that ended in a chamber. Towards the south of this chamber, stairs led to another corridor that ended into a stairway and yet another chamber, which was the southern chamber. Inside this last chamber was found a pit where coffins were kept covered by stone slabs.
The Discovery of Tomb KV 39
Tomb KV 39 was discovered by two local Luxor residents Macarius and Andraos in the year 1900, who, for reasons unknown, did not examine it fully. Later on, Dr. John Rose examined the tomb, in 1989, and he continued to for several years, and 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 which the work of excavation somehow seemed to slow down and almost pause. The debris still needs to be examined in order to learn more about the secrets and mystery associated with the exceptional KV 39 tomb.
Who knows what deep secrets it may still hide?
