Beni Hassan Tombs
Beni Hassan is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, containing the tombs of regional rulers from the 11th and 12th Dynasties of the Middle Kingdom. It is located about 23 kilometers south of Minya on the east side of the Nile Valley, approximately 1 kilometer from the Nile. The site dates back to around 2010 to 1650 BCE.
The tombs are carved into rocky cliffs and decorated with scenes related to some of the most significant administrative rulers of the region during that time, such as Amenemhat-Emeni, Khnumhotep, Khuti, and Baqet III, along with more than 900 tombs in the lower cemetery.
-
Amenemhat-Emeni’s tomb: He held the title of the Great Leader of the Ghazal region. The tomb features a balcony or entrance adorned with two octagonal columns. Inside is a square chamber measuring about 11.5 by 11.3 meters and 6.5 meters high, with two rows of 16-sided polygonal columns. There is a niche containing decorated statues of Amenemhat, his wife, and his mother. The tomb walls depict wonderful scenes such as grape harvesting and wine pressing, fishing and bird catching, musicians, sandal making, wood and gold crafting, pottery making, flax cultivation, and grain processing and harvesting.
-
Baqet III’s tomb: He bore the title of Great Ruler of the Ghazal region. This tomb is distinguished by lotus-stem-shaped columns and beautiful wall paintings illustrating papyrus and its harvest for papyrus production, boats on the Nile, hunting scenes, the stages of the textile industry, sports scenes showing girls playing ball, and wrestling matches between men. These are among the most important sources of information about sports and athletic activities in ancient Egypt.
-
Khuti’s tomb: The ruler of the Ghazal region, his tomb walls are decorated with magnificent scenes, including metalworking at furnaces, mat weaving, and detailed wrestling scenes—one of the most famous sports of the time. Other scenes depict cattle grazing and slaughter for sacrifice, wine production in all stages, and the making and painting of wooden boxes.
-
Khnumhotep II’s tomb: He held the title of Ruler of the Eastern Desert. The walls feature scenes of boats on the Nile, hunting desert animals, wrestling, and spinning flax into thread. The most important scene in his tomb is on the north wall, showing 27 Asian people called “Amu” coming to offer eyeliner and eye makeup as gifts. This depiction records in detail their appearance, clothing, jewelry, animals, and women’s attire.