The rock tombs of Beni Hassan

Beni Hassan Tombs in El Minya city

Situated around 245 kilometers south of Cairo in Central Egypt, Minya is situated south of the governorates of Fayoum and Beni Sueif. A rich region dating back to more than 2,500 BC. Within the walls of the great mountain are 39 tombs dug into the highest part of the mountain.

Only twelve tombs have inscriptions and coloured motifs, four of which are accessible to the public. The others are still closed to the public. Every tomb tells a different narrative and is renowned for its vibrant murals and detailed sceneries on the walls. The 10th, 11th, and 12th dynasties—the First Intermediate Period—are represented in all of the tombs, which is one thing they share in common. 

The first publicly accessible tomb is that of Kheti, dating from the 11th dynasty. Kheti was governor of the Oryx nome at the end of the 11th dynasty, one of the 42 nomes of ancient Egypt. Kheti is known for the decorative scenes inside his tomb. He dug his tomb in the rocks of the mountain near the tomb of his father Baqet III. The walls of the tomb contain colorful scenes depicting daily life. 

Among his paintings is one showing Kheti with his wife, in front of bird-hunting scenes, scenes depicting the textile industry, silos, deer hunting and fishing. Inside the tomb is a false door carved into the wall to the right of the entrance. The same wall also features scenes depicting the journey to the afterlife. The tomb also contains burial shafts, one of which was dug.

This tomb is the oldest in the Beni Hassan necropolis. Baqet III was one of the governors of the Oryx nome. He was the father of Khéti. Baqet III had his tomb dug. He ruled his nome during the 11th dynasty, at the end of the First Intermediate Period. During his reign, he was able to reunify the country. His tomb is famous for its many spectacular scenes.

The tomb of nomarch Amenemhat, ruler of the Oryx nome during the reign of Sesostris I, is the last publicly accessible tomb of the 12th Dynasty. Carved into the rocks, it features a chapel with a roof supported by columns, dividing the space into three vaulted naves. The murals illustrate various themes, such as agriculture, crafts, desert hunting, military activities, and funeral rites. At the entrance to the tomb are depictions of Amenemhat's expeditions and his beneficent deeds as nomarch.

The tomb of Khnumhotep II, located at the northern end of the nomarchs' necropolis, is the most remarkable of the 12th Dynasty tombs for its impressive architecture and decoration. The entrance to the tomb is marked by a vestibule with two columns, and the ceiling is decorated with geometric motifs. Famous scenes include the arrival of an Asian delegation in the sixth year of Sesostris II's reign, depicted on the north wall as a parade of people. The tomb also illustrates the family history of Khnumhotep II, the construction of his tomb by the architect Baquet, and various activities, such as the king hunting birds and the nomarch receiving offerings on the south wall.

Latest Articles

Admin

Aswan Governerate in Egypt

One of Egypt's southern governorates is Aswan Governorate. The city of Aswan serves as its capital. At a latitude of 22 north of the equator (also known as the Tropic of Cancer), it is bounded to the north by the Qena Governorate, to the east by the Red Sea Governorate, to the west by the New Valley Governorate, and to the south by the Republic of Sudan.

Admin

Luxor Governorate Egypt

The capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt is Luxor City, which was once known as "Thebes City" because it served as Egypt's capital during the Pharaonic era. It is situated in the South Upper Egypt region, approximately 670 kilometers from the capital Cairo from the south. It is bordered on the north by Qena Governorate, on the south by Aswan Governorate, on the east by Red Sea Governorate, and on the west by New Valley Governorate.

Admin

History of kafr El Sheikh Governorate

Kafr El Sheikh Governorate is an Egyptian governorate, located in the northernmost part of Egypt in the Nile Delta, with Kafr El Sheikh as its capital. It had a population of 3,172,753 in 2015 and an area of 3,748 km². Its entire area is located north of the delta and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The main economic activity of the residents of the governorate is agriculture and fishing, especially the southern lands of the governorate and the lands overlooking the Nile River - Rosetta Branch.

Admin

Egypt's New Administrative Capital

The New Administrative Capital is located between the Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna roads, 60 km from Cairo and the same distance from Ain Sokhna and Suez. The New Administrative Capital is located on the border of Badr City, in the area between the Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna roads, just after New Cairo, Mostakbal City and Madinaty.

Admin

Al Gharbia Governorate

Gharbia Governorate is one of the governorates full of archaeological sites, whether they are places or facilities (mosques, churches), as the governorate is a destination for visitors to these places throughout the year, whether they are Egyptians from the different governorates.

Admin

Hamata Islands (Qulaan Archipelago) in Marsa Alam

The Hamata area, south of Marsa Alam in the Red Sea, is one of the most important parts of the Wadi El Gemal Reserve, whether in the desert or the sea. It was named after the sorrel plant, which was distorted to Hamata.

blog.related_tours

Day Trip to El Minya from Cairo

El Minya was one of the prominent cities where ancient Egyptian kings established their royal legacies and even initiated a new religion. This region is rich in stunning ruins and temples, notably in Taal El Amarna, associated with Pharaoh Akhenaton, as well as the remarkable rock-cut tombs in Beni Hassan.

El Minya trip from Cairo for 2 Days

With our El Minya trip from Cairo for 2 Days, you'll have the chance to engage with the local community, experiencing the rural charm of the area. This two-day excursion promises to be an unforgettable exploration of history and culture in Al Minya!

Overnight Tour to El Minya from Luxor

We got for you the unusual tour to visit the land where the ancients lived, and their homes used to be. where the ancient capital of King Akhenaton at tell el Amarna existed at El Minya, you can visit the Beni Hassan tombs of the middle kingdom, the northern tombs, and numerous more in this amazing overnight tour from Luxor.

Extended Nile Cruise from Cairo to Aswan aboard the MS Jaz Royale.

The luxurious cruise ship MS Jaz Royale will transport you on a lengthy cruise tour from Cairo to Aswan in just 14 days. You'll visit historic temples, tour the Valley of the Kings, see a temple that dates back a million years in Philae, and more. While staying in a luxurious suite with a private balcony, you'll be able to take in the best of both ancient and modern Egypt.

The Beni Hassan tombs in El Minya. The Beni Hassan tombs are located in the desert near El Minya, Egypt. The site contains a series of rock-cut tombs dating from the Middle Kingdom period, between 2055 and 1650 BC, and decorated with scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt.

;

Cairo Top Tours Partners

Check out our partners

whatsapp-icon Cairo Top Tours