Tomb Families: Private Tomb Distribution in the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis

Research on the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis reveals that private tomb distribution was not random but influenced by temporal, familial, and ritualistic factors. Spatial analysis using GPS surveying identified clusters of tombs built during specific reigns or by individuals with shared titles and familial ties. Notably, some tombs were oriented towards significant landmarks such as Karnak temple, royal mortuary temples, and festival processional routes, underscoring their importance to certain elites. This study deepens our understanding of how private tombs integrated into the broader sacred landscape of Thebes, linking personal and communal religious practices.

Slinger, K. (2022). Tomb Families: Private Tomb Distribution in the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2bz2mm6