“Such vibrant colors, even after all these years!” you might exclaim, peering at the walls of TT255. And indeed, the tomb of Roy, a royal scribe from the late 18th Dynasty, is a sight to behold. Don’t let its small size fool you. TT255, nestled here in Dra’ Abu el-Naga, speaks volumes about the artistry and beliefs of ancient Egypt. Imagine, Roy, a man of words, forever immortalized in this colorful chamber! His life wasn’t spent amongst the grand tombs of the Valley of the Kings. His story unfolds on these walls, alongside his wife, Nebtawy. Roy, though a scribe, wasn’t just any scribe. He managed the estates, not just of Pharaoh Horemheb, the last ruler of the 18th Dynasty, but also of the mighty god Amun. This speaks volumes about Roy’s standing in his time. TT255, unlike many other tombs here in Dra’ Abu el-Naga, is open to the public. Within this single chamber, vivid reliefs depict Roy and Nebtawy in the afterlife. They stand before deities, making offerings, a testament to their hope for a blessed existence beyond the earthly realm. So, as you take in the intricate details of TT255, remember Roy. Remember his story. It’s a reminder that even amidst the grandeur of ancient Egypt, the lives of ordinary individuals were woven into the fabric of this civilization.
Amenhetep III
How many pharaohs can boast they were worshipped as gods even before their death? Behold Amenhetep III, the ninth pharaoh