Contents
Deir el-Medina | Introduction
Deir el-Medina is located on the west bank of Luxor, near the famous Valley of the Kings. Its true value lies in its role as a settlement for ancient Egyptian artisans and their families for over five centuries. These artisans were responsible for designing and constructing the magnificent tombs of the Pharaohs and royal family members, earning Deir el-Medina the nickname “The Village of the Artisans.”
This well-planned community was established during the New Kingdom period, around the 18th century BCE, by Pharaoh Amenhotep I to meet the needs of constructing the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The residents, skilled craftsmen including stonemasons, painters, and sculptors, not only worked on royal tombs but also built small, colorful, and uniquely designed tombs for themselves within the community. These tombs are remarkably well-preserved and provide rich records of daily life in ancient Egypt, such as wage payments, religious rituals, and even accounts of labor strikes, offering invaluable insights into the lives of common Egyptians.
What makes Deir el-Medina exceptional is that it provides a microcosmic model of ancient Egyptian society. Though the artisans belonged to the "lower-middle class," they enjoyed stable lives and good treatment due to their direct service to the Pharaoh. The textual records found here reveal fascinating details about their daily lives, including wages, religious ceremonies, and occasional labor strikes—rare examples of non-elite documentation in ancient Egypt.
Recommended visit duration: Allocate at least two hours to explore Deir el-Medina.
Deir el-Medina | Transportation
Although Deir el-Medina is close to the Valley of the Kings, it is not commonly included on most tourists’ must-see lists or typical day tours. To visit this and other west bank attractions, hiring a private car or booking a private day tour is the most convenient option. Renting a car provides flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary and spend more time at the locations you find most interesting. Most west bank sites are located about 20–30 minutes from Luxor city, making them easily accessible for a day trip.
Luxor private chartered car with tour guide
Luxor Charters
Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride
Deir el-Medina | Ticket Information
Tickets for Deir el-Medina can be purchased directly from the Egyptian government’s official website (Ticket Link). Foreign visitors must select the "Other Nationality" option when buying tickets. E-tickets are now available, saving you time from standing in line.
Deir el-Medina | Highlights
Tomb of the Craftsman
Deir el-Medina served as a specialized community for artisans working on the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Being skilled craftsmen, these artisans created small but exquisite tombs for themselves, showcasing vivid and detailed paintings that remain well-preserved. The tombs depict the daily lives, religious beliefs, and visions of the afterlife held by the artisans. Notable tombs, such as the Tomb of Sennedjem and Tomb of Inherkha, are must-sees. While smaller in scale compared to royal tombs, these artisans’ tombs are intricately designed and feature colorful murals.
The tombs share architectural similarities with the royal tombs, being carved into the mountains and often topped with small pyramids constructed by the artisans themselves.
TT359 | Tomb of Inherkha
Inherkha, titled “Foreman of the Two Lands in the Place of Truth,” lived during the reigns of Pharaohs Ramesses III and Ramesses IV in the 20th Dynasty. As one of two foremen overseeing the construction of tombs, Inherkha had significant responsibilities, including supervising workers, assigning tasks, and managing wages.
His tomb, TT359, reflects his elevated status, with yellow-painted decorations adorning the upper section and burial chamber. The well-preserved murals include vivid depictions of scenes from the Book of Gates and the Book of the Dead, as well as images of Inherkha and his family making offerings to the gods.
The deep burial chamber showcases some of the most captivating artwork, including 17 paintings distributed across 14 scenes, with three sections on each side. The scenes on the right depict mythical creatures, while those on the left portray visions of the afterlife. The content is more relatable to daily life, illustrating the artisans’ routines, religious beliefs, and hopes for the afterlife. One of the most famous murals depicts the Sun God Ra in the form of a great cat defeating the chaotic serpent Apophis, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
The tomb TT359 contains no funerary equipment, nor does it depict scenes of funeral banquets or mourning. Inherkha also had another tomb, numbered TT299, which is believed to have been prepared for his personal use, while TT359 was intended for his family.
TT1 | Tomb of Sennedjem
Sennedjem was an official active during the early 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, serving under Pharaohs Seti I and Ramesses II. He was a member of the royal tomb-building community at Deir el-Medina and possibly held the position of a scribe. In addition, he was a highly skilled artist.
The architectural structure of Sennedjem’s tomb includes a vertical shaft located in the center of the courtyard, approximately 6 meters deep, leading to an underground burial chamber. The chamber is rectangular, measuring 5.12 meters in length, 2.61 meters in width, and featuring an arched ceiling 2.4 meters high. The walls and ceiling are adorned with vibrant murals that showcase the exceptional artistic skills of ancient Egyptian craftsmen.
Sennedjem’s tomb is renowned for its detailed paintings, vividly depicting scenes symbolizing the abundance of the afterlife, such as working in fields alongside his wife. Numerous murals also portray devotion to Osiris, Isis, and Hathor, with intricate and finely detailed imagery.
TT218 | Tomb of Amennakht
Amennakht served as a "Servant in the Place of Truth" during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 19th Dynasty. His family played a significant role in the Deir el-Medina community. Amennakht’s two sons, Nebenmaat and Khaemteri, each had adjacent tombs, numbered TT219 and TT220, respectively.
Tomb TT218 is renowned for its exquisite and colorful murals. Inside, it features two elaborately decorated rooms that depict a rich array of religious and everyday life scenes. One notable mural portrays Anubis performing the mummification of Amennakht, with the goddess Isis and Nephthys shown on either side of the bed, offering their protective presence.
The Workmen's Village
The Workmen’s Village is located at the heart of Deir el-Medina and served as the living quarters for ancient Egyptian artisans and their families. The archaeological remains of the village include the foundations of houses and stone walls, which provide a glimpse into the layout of streets and communal spaces. These features allow visitors to vividly imagine the living environment of the artisans and gain insight into the community structure of the village.
The Workmen’s Village is located at the heart of Deir el-Medina and served as the living quarters for ancient Egyptian artisans and their families. The archaeological remains of the village include the foundations of houses and stone walls, which provide a glimpse into the layout of streets and communal spaces. These features allow visitors to vividly imagine the living environment of the artisans and gain insight into the community structure of the village.
Excavations at this site have uncovered numerous records about the lives of the artisans. These workers followed a schedule of eight days of labor followed by two days of rest or personal time. Due to the village’s proximity to the Valley of the Kings and its lack of natural water sources, daily supplies such as food, water, and essential goods were distributed by the state.
During periods of economic decline, shortages in supplies or corruption among officials sometimes led to food scarcity or delayed wages. Such issues resulted in the first recorded labor strike in history, which occurred during the reign of Ramesses III. The artisans protested, demanding back payment of food and wages. This event provides valuable insight into labor rights in ancient Egypt.
Although the artisans' primary role was to construct tombs for the Pharaohs, they were sometimes implicated in tomb-robbing activities. Due to the village’s close proximity to the royal tombs and their intimate knowledge of the tombs’ structures and treasures, the artisans occasionally engaged in tomb robbery during periods of resource scarcity or political instability. Historical records reveal that tomb-robbing became increasingly common toward the end of the 20th Dynasty, as economic turmoil and the weakening of central authority created opportunities for such acts.
Temple of Deir el-Medina
The Temple of Deir el-Medina is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and is located on the western side of the workers’ village. It is the most elaborate structure in the village, with its reliefs and murals still retaining their vibrant colors. Hathor, revered by the ancient Egyptians as the goddess of love and music, was closely associated with fertility and protection.
This temple served as an important site for the artisans and their families to conduct religious activities, offering prayers for successful work, health, and blessings in the afterlife. The temple is relatively small in size and primarily constructed of stone, reflecting its intimate yet significant role within the community.
After the end of the ancient Egyptian era, the temple was converted into a Christian church by the early Christians. This transformation is the origin of the name "Deir el-Medina," which means "Monastery City."
Further reading
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