Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt

Tomb Robbery Trial 409

Tomb of the Birds This is a burial site located in the
causeway of the pyramidal complex of UNIS (r.
2356–2323 B.C.E.) in SAQQARA. The MASTABAbelonged to
NEFER-HOREN-PTAH, a Fifth Dynasty official. The Tomb of
the Birds contains agricultural scenes and depictions of
caged birds in vivid settings.

Tomb of the Warriors It is a burial site at DEIR EL-
BAHRI, on the western shore in Thebes, that dates to the
reign of MONTUHOTEP II(2061–2010 B.C.E.). The remains
of 60 soldiers who died in the service of Montuhotep II’s
reunification campaigns were buried in this rock-cut
crypt. The bodies were not mummified but were pre-
served by elements within their tomb. They were buried
close to Montuhotep II’s royal mortuary complex, a high
honor. These soldiers may have performed a service of
valor or may have been part of an elite military unit used
by Montuhotep II with success.

Tombos An island at the third cataract of the Nile in
NUBIA(modern Sudan). TUTHMOSIS I(r. 1504–1492 B.C.E.)

made Tombos the center of his Nubian military cam-

paigns in the second year of his reign. He garrisoned the

island, erecting a fortress called “None-Face-Him-

Among-The-Nine-Bows-Together.” A STELA was also

erected to commemorate Tuthmosis I’s victories over the

local population and to proclaim his Asiatic campaigns

on the Euphrates River. This stela was engraved on a rock

in the area.

Tomb Robbery Trial It was a judicial investigation

that was conducted in the reign of RAMESSES IX(1131–

1112 B.C.E.) and reflected the decline of the Egyptian

government of that historical period. The actual trial

came about as a result of the investigations demanded by

PASER(3),the mayor of Thebes, over vandalized tombs.

He suffered abuse and harassment as a result of his insis-

tence, especially from Prince PAWERO, who was the head

of the necropolis sites and necropolis police of that era.

Investigations continued, and eventually the involvement

of higher-ranked officials was uncovered, including

Prince Pawero, who was indicted and tried for his duplic-

ity and sacrilege. The ABBOTT PAPYRUSgives some details

The elaborate paintings depicting Ramesses II (r. 1290–1224 B.C.E.) in his glorified eternal role in the Valley of Kings site.
(Courtesy Steve Beikirch.)