TT 414

Why did Ankh-Hor, a high-ranking official, have such a magnificent tomb? We are standing before TT 414, the final resting place of Ankh-Hor. He served as Chief Steward to the God’s Wife Nitocris during the 26th Dynasty. The tomb’s size and architecture speak to his importance. TT 414, located in El-Assasif, part of the Theban Necropolis, is a fascinating example of a tomb reused over several generations. Ankh-Hor, who served during the reigns of Psamtik II and Apries, initially used TT 414 for himself and his family. Their burials, including his sister, brothers, and a daughter, were placed in shafts within rooms 7, 8, and 9. Sadly, robbers ransacked these early burials. However, archaeologists still uncovered fragments of coffins, pearl nets, stelae, canopic jars, shabtis, and Ptah-Sokar-Osiris statuettes. One peculiar detail emerged. Ankh-Hor’s inner wooden coffin was surprisingly plain, considering the grandeur of the tomb. This contrasts sharply with the elaborate coffins of some of his family members found within TT 414. The tomb continued to be used after Ankh-Hor’s family. Around 380-300 BC, the family of Padi-Amun-neb-nesutawy I, a priest of Amun, added secondary burials. They even constructed new rooms within the existing structure. Later, during the 30th Dynasty, Wahibre I was also buried here. From 300-150 BC, the family of Djed-Khonsu-iuef-ankh used TT 414. They introduced more secondary burials and repurposed some of the older sarcophagi. The tomb’s atrium shows evidence of repairs during this period. Finally, between 150/100 BC and 0 BC, the tomb served as the burial place for the family of Horus and his son Osoroeris. TT 414 reveals the story of Ankh-Hor and the many families who followed, all intertwined within this ancient space. Their history, rediscovered through the remnants they left behind, allows us a glimpse into life and death in ancient Thebes.