The Tomb Of Tuthmosis IV
Tuthmosis IV ruled during the eighteenth dynasty. The tomb of Tuthmosis IV is located in the east valley and is designated as KV43. The tomb lies in the south branch of the wadi. The bent alignment is a unique trait making KV43 one of the earliest tombs built in the valley.
The tomb's location on a high cliff has saved it from suffering similar flood damage to that which occurred in most other tombs of the area. The wall decorations inside the tomb are thus very well preserved. Also, the outer stone sarcophagus of the king is still in place inside the burial chamber. The tomb KV 43 was rediscovered in 1903 by the famous Egyptologist Howard Carter. Tomb KV43 is believed to be the burial place of not just the pharaoh but his two children, Prince Amenemhat and Princess Tentamun. Like most other tombs, this tomb was also robbed during antiquity, but some objects still remain.
More About KV43
The L-shaped design and the phase one style are the first aspect you will notice in the design of this tomb. Meanwhile, the tomb style is similar to that of KV35 sharing similarities in size, design, and complexity also the presence of a storm-fed waterfall. The entrance has two stairways, one leading to the first corridor and the second leading to the next corridor, ending into a ritual shaft. Another chamber is located at the bottom of the ritual shaft, the ritual shaft opens into a hall with two pillars, after which a 90-degree turn is seen and then an antechamber. Another 90 degrees turn into the burial chamber having four annexes and six pillars are seen.
Unique Facts About KV43
The tomb has many differences from KV35, especially the crypt area and the alignment of storage rooms is unique. The first time the presence of magical niches that were constructed into the walls was seen in KV43, a feature that followed in all tombs till the reign of Ramesses II.
Objects Found In The Tomb
Due to robberies in antiquity, the mummy of Tuthmosis IV was found missing from the tomb. However, three subsidiary mummies were found which are believed to be the children of the pharaoh.
The funerary equipment found was mostly in fragments and consisted of modern vessels, pebbles and plaques and model vessels. Other than this few objects that were recovered during excavation are Accessories, Architectural elements, Bird remains, Clothing, Cosmetic equipment, Food, Furniture, Game components, Human mummies, Jewelry, Models, Scarabs and seals, Sculpture, Tomb equipment, Transport, Vessels, Warfare, and hunting equipment.
Decoration Of KV43
Even when the tomb was carefully cut, the decorations inside the tomb of Thutmosis IV were mostly missing. Only the anteroom and ritual shaft are painted and this too seems to have been done hastily. A scene showing the king before a number of deities is seen and almost every additional scene is the same with the only difference being the clothes that the deities are wearing differ in color and design.
