|
The Tombs of the Nobles
 The northern hills of the west bank (Qubbet el-Hawwa or Qubbet
el-Hawa meaning windy dome) are filled with the rock-hewn tombs
of princes from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. The 6th
Dynasty tombs, some of which form linked family complexes,
contain important biographical texts.
Inside, the tombs are decorated with vivid wall paintings
showing scenes of everyday life, hieroglyphic biographies and
inscriptions telling of the noblemen's journeys into Africa.
 The 12th Dynasty tombs of Sarenput I (#36) and Sarenput II (#31)
have the finest art, and it is said that some work in the number
31 tomb rivals that of Memphis.
The Tombs are numbered, and among other's they include: Sarenput
I (#36), Pepynakht (Hekayib) (#35), Harkhuf, Khunes, Sarenput II
(#31), Sibni (#25), Mekhu (#26), Qubbet Al_Hawwa (Kubbet el Hawa).
At night they are illuminated with hidden spotlights and can be
clearly seen from Aswan.
|
