list begins with the dynasties of the gods and continues
to Ramesses II. It is considered the most reliable of the
king lists, but some of the names recorded in it are no
longer decipherable. Originally in the possession of the
King of Sardinia, the Turin Canon was sent to Turin, Italy,
and was damaged in the process.
kites(1) These were the names applied by the Egyp-
tians to the goddesses ISISand NEPHTHYSas part of the
Osirian cultic rituals. The goddesses lamented the death
of OSIRIS, and their song of mourning was a popular
aspect of the annual festivals of the god.
See also LAMENTATIONS OF ISIS AND NEPHTHYS.
kites(2) They were Egyptian women who were hired
or pressed into service during funerals to accompany and
greet the coffins of the deceased when they were carried
to the necropolises. Professional mourners, the kites
wailed and evidenced their grief at each funeral. They are
pictured in some renditions of the BOOK OF THE DEAD.
See also MUU DANCERS.
Kiya(fl. 14th century B.C.E.) Royal woman of the Eigh-
teenth Dynasty, possibly a Mitanni princess
She was a secondary consort of AKHENATEN(r. 1353–1335
B.C.E.). There is some indication that her origins were
Mitanni and that she was named TADUKHIPA, being the
daughter of King TUSHRATTA. It is also possible that she
was a noble woman from AKHMIN. Kiya was held in high
regard in Akhenaten’s ninth regnal year, but she was out
of favor by regnal year 11. She is recorded as having
borne two sons and a daughter by Akhenaten, and she
was portrayed on monuments in ’AMARNA.
After regnal year 11, however, she is no longer visi-
ble, and her name was removed from some reliefs. Kiya’s
COFFIN, gilded and inlaid in the RISHI PATTERN, was found
in Queen TIYE’s (1) tomb, apparently having served as a
resting place for the remains of SMENKHARÉ(r. 1335–1333
B.C.E.). Canopic lids in Tiye’s tomb had portraits of Kiya.
Her mummy has not been identified.
Kleomenes(fl. fourth century B.C.E.)Greek commis-
sioned to build the city of Alexandria by Alexander III the
Great (332–323 B.C.E.)
A companion of ALEXANDER III THE GREAT, Kleomenes was
charged with building the new capital of ALEXANDRIAin
the Delta. Kleomenes worked with DEINOKRATES, the
architect, and others, including Krateros of Olynthas, in
starting the massive projects. Alexandria’s building con-
tinued until the reign of PTOLEMY II PHILADELPHUS
(285–246 B.C.E.).
knots Considered magical elements by the Egyptians
and used in specific ways for cultic ceremonies. AMULETS
used knots as protective shields, and knotted emblems
were worn daily. Elaborate golden knots were used on
mummies in some periods. The exact cultic value of
these designs and their placements varied according to
regions and temple traditions.kohl The Arabic term for the ancient Egyptian cosmetic
used to adorn eyes. Dried remains of the kohlcompound
have been discovered in tombs, accompanied by
PALETTES, tubs, and applicators. Kohlwas a popular cos-
metic for all classes.Kom Abu Billo See TERENUTHIS.Kom Aushim A site in the FAIYUMregion of the Nile,
dating to the Middle Kingdom. The pharaohs of the
Twelfth Dynasty (1991–1783 B.C.E.) used the area for
royal retreats. However, no monuments from that dynasty
are recognizable now. Kom Aushim was probably LETOPO-
LIS, a cult center of HORUS, called Hem by the Egyptians.Kom Dara This was a site in the necropolis near
ASSIUT, with a vast tomb structure dating to the First
Intermediate Period (2134–2040 B.C.E.). Massive, with
vast outer walls, the tomb contains a sloping corridor
leading to a subterranean chamber. No identification
has been made as to the owner of the Kom Dara monu-
ment.Kom el-Ahmer See HIERAKONPOLIS.Kom el-Haten A site on the western shore of THEBES,
famed for the mortuary temple of AMENHOTEP III (r.
1391–1353 B.C.E.) and the seated figures of that pharaoh,
called the COLOSSI OF MEMNON, the area was part of the
vast necropolis serving Thebes, Egypt’s New Kingdom
(1550–1070 B.C.E.) capital. The temple no longer stands,
having been used as a quarry for later dynasties and
looted by the locals.Kom el-Hisn See IMU.Kom Medinet Ghurob (Mi-Wer) This was a site on
the southeastern end of the FAIYUM, also called MI-WERin
ancient records. TUTHMOSIS III(r. 1479–1425 B.C.E.) of the
Eighteenth Dynasty established the site as a royal HAREM
retreat and retirement villa. Two temples were erected on
the site, now in ruins, as well as the royal harem resi-
dence. Kom Medinet Ghurob was used until the reign of
RAMESSES V(1156–1151 B.C.E.). A central building with
an enclosing wall, covering the area of three modern city
blocks, composed this complex. Objects from the reign of
Amenhotep III (1391–1353 B.C.E.) were found on theKom Medinet Ghurob 205