Summary

• Beni Hasan, a necropolis in Middle Egypt, houses 39 rock-cut tombs dating back to the Middle Kingdom (2055–1065 BC).
• Carved into limestone cliffs, these tombs belonged to influential provincial governors, showcasing vibrant wall paintings and inscriptions that reveal details about their lives, military campaigns, and religious beliefs.
• Among the most notable tombs are those of Amenemhat, Khnumhotep II, and Baqet III, featuring depictions of daily activities, hunting, and even wrestling scenes.
• The site’s historical and artistic significance makes it an invaluable window into ancient Egyptian civilization, offering insights into governance, warfare, and spirituality.

Beni Hasan tombs are a heavenly well of glorious souls who carved an immortal civilization across thousands of years that can be seen across the stars, radiating tales of sophistication, allure, and grandeur. It is filled with well-preserved rock-cut tombs that offer a remarkable insight into the life, art, and religious & social beliefs of ancient Egyptians during the Middle Kingdom period (2055 – 1065 BC). All the magnificent ancient Egyptian tombs are filled with intricate paintings and inscriptions, providing a captivating narrative of a bygone era.

This marvelous archaeological wonder has been the source of many great facts that give a full image of the mindset and prosperity of some of the most influential people. In this magnificent marvel, everyone will witness the epic essence of this magical civilization, where the secrets and echoes of Egypt will be unraveled in the most amazing manner.

Location of the Incredible Beni Hasan Tombs and How to Get There

Beni Hasan is situated about 20 kilometers south of the city of Minya, in the Middle Egypt region, and 245 km south of Cairo. To reach the site, one can travel by road from Cairo or Luxor. The journey offers picturesque views of the Nile River and the surrounding landscape, showcasing the geological diversity and historical richness of Egypt.

Uncover the Mysterious History of Beni Hasan Tombs

During the historical period known as the Middle Kingdom (2055 – 1065 BC), a distinctive burial practice was observed, involving provincial governors being laid to rest in elaborate tombs that were meticulously carved into rock formations within their marvelous local cemeteries. This tradition, which originated during the First Intermediate Period (2181 – 2055 BC) and persisted through the Middle Kingdom, can be exemplified by sites like Beni Hasan.

Significant governmental reforms took place during the 12th Dynasty, reshaping the administrative structure. In the earlier days of the First Intermediate Period and parts of the Middle Kingdom, nomarchs held hereditary positions as overseers of specific regions. The authority of these local leaders was not solely reliant on the king’s endorsement, as had been the case in the Old Kingdom (2700 – 2200 BC). However, in the twelfth Dynasty, there was a gradual curtailment of the nomarchs’ authority, leading to the king’s appointment or confirmation of provincial governors.

There are Thirty-Nine ancient tombs dating back to the Middle Kingdom, which are found in the region associated with the Oryx nome, governed from the district of Hebenu. These tombs were situated on the eastern bank due to the favorable quality and positioning of the cliffs to the west. The cemetery is divided into two distinct sections found across the lower necropolis and the upper range. The arrangement of burial sites within the cemetery is a reflection of the resources that were available to the ancient deceased, with the most notable individuals interred near the crest of the cliff.

There are 888 shaft tombs within the lower cemetery that date all the way back to the Middle Kingdom period. These tombs in the modern ages were excavated by John Garstang, and shared a common architectural design featuring a recess or a small chamber at the base of the facing south shaft. This chamber was intended to house the golden coffin and offerings for the deceased. The upper cemetery was reserved for the elite class members, who constructed striking tombs as symbols of their elevated political and social status as the officials and rulers of the Oryx Nome, specifically Upper Egypt’s 16th Nome.

These opulent tombs, intricately adorned, were expertly carved into the incredible limestone cliffs adjacent to the epic provincial capital situated in the area of the upper cemetery. These tombs are aligned in a north-south orientation, divided into two clusters by a natural rock terrace, upon which the tombs open. The distinguished elite tombs typically featured an outer courtyard and a rock-hewn pillared chamber, often referred to as the chapel.

This chamber contained a shaft leading to the burial chamber itself. Many of the bigger tombs contained detailed biographical inscriptions plus intricate paintings that depicted aspects of the common daily life of the ancient Egyptians and scenes of warfare. Regrettably, the passage of time has caused deterioration to many of these artworks, although many copies were produced in the 19th century. Notably, a young Howard Carter, who would later achieve fame for discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun, spent a season in 1891 crafting watercolor depictions of select tombs within this site.

Learn More About the Golden Nobles of Beni Hasan

Some of the most notable figures who were buried in Beni Hassan include:

Amenemhat

Amenemhat, also known as Ameny, was a prominent figure in ancient Egypt during the 12th Dynasty. Serving as the “Overlord of the Oryx nome” and chief priest under Pharaoh Senusret I, he held significant influence. He governed from Men’at Khufu, overseeing his territory from Year 18 to Year 43 of Senusret I.

Notably, he participated in key military expeditions and held esteemed titles, such as “confidential friend of the King” and “mayor of Nekheb.” Although he adopted a unique royal-style dating system, it’s unclear if his subjects followed suit. Amenemhat’s legacy was marked by his high status, royal associations, and important roles, making him a notable figure of his time.

Khnumhotep II

Khnumhotep II was a prominent figure during ancient Egypt’s 12th Dynasty, holding the prestigious title of Great Chief of the Oryx nome under pharaohs Amenemhat II and Senusret II. His remarkable tomb at Beni Hasan showcases intricate decorations. Coming from a powerful family lineage centered in Men’at Khufu, Khnumhotep II held various titles like hereditary prince, royal sealer, and overseer of the Eastern Desert. He succeeded his relative Netjernakht as nomarch and built a tomb in Netjernakht’s honor.

Born to Baqet and Neheri, an official, Khnumhotep II had two wives: Khety, likely part of a politically arranged marriage due to her high-ranking titles, and Tjat, potentially his true love, with more modest titles. His children included Nakht, who inherited his maternal grandfather’s role, Khnumhotep IV, whose presence is mainly known from an unfinished tomb, and Khnumhotep III, who rose to prominence in the royal court. Neheri, buried in a smaller tomb at Beni Hasan, and another son who held the title of “mayor” in a neighboring region, also contributed to Khnumhotep II’s family legacy.

Khnumhotep I

Khnumhotep I was an important figure in ancient Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhat I in the 12th Dynasty. He held the position of Great Chief of the Oryx nome, part of Upper Egypt. He came from a powerful family of nomarchs and officials, centered in Men’at Khufu, which continued through the 12th Dynasty. His descendants, including his well-known grandson Khnumhotep II, carried on his legacy. Notably, Khnumhotep I participated in a military expedition alongside Pharaoh Amenemhat I to protect Egypt from an unnamed enemy, likely one of Amenemhat’s rivals.

This endeavor led to Amenemhat’s victory and Khnumhotep’s reward of titles, including “count of Men’at Khufu.” Over time, Khnumhotep I accumulated additional titles such as “great lord of the Oryx nome” and “hereditary prince and count.” He also held a significant position in Nekhen. Khnumhotep I was married to three women, with his main wife being Zatipy. His lineage and titles were passed down to his son Nakht and others, ultimately extending to his grandson Khnumhotep II.

The family’s genealogy and significance are further explored in the context of the “Nomarchs of the Oryx nome.” Information about Khnumhotep I and his family has been gleaned from inscriptions in his tomb at Beni Hasan and that of his grandson Khnumhotep II.

Baqet III

Baqet III was an influential figure in ancient Egypt during the 11th Dynasty (around 21st century BCE). He held several titles, including Great Chief of the Oryx nome, governor of the nome, treasurer of the king of Lower Egypt, and mayor of Nekheb. Baqet III initially remained neutral during a civil war but switched sides to support the Thebans under Mentuhotep II when it became clear they were winning. His loyalty secured his family’s succession, with his likely son Khety taking over, followed by his descendants until a change in leadership occurred during the time of Amenemhat I, with Khnumhotep I assuming the governorship.

Khety

Khety was an important figure in ancient Egypt during the Twelfth Dynasty. He served as a local governor of the Oryx nome in Middle Egypt. His existence is primarily known from the decorations found in his tomb chapel at Beni Hasan. These decorations include inscriptions that reveal his name and titles. Khety held various significant titles, such as “great overlord of the entire Oryx nome,” which was a prominent position among local governors of the region. He also held titles like “count,” “royal sealer,” “sole friend,” “king’s acquaintance,” “overlord of Nekheb,” and “overseer of troops at all secret places.”

Netjernakht

Netjernakht was an esteemed figure from ancient Egypt and is recognized through his tomb chapel situated at Beni Hasan in the central region of the country. It is widely believed that he flourished during the Twelfth Dynasty, although the specifics of his timeline and role remain subjects of contention. Within his tomb chapel, Netjernakht assumes various significant titles. He served as the supervisor of the eastern desert, alongside his roles as a mayor (HAti-a) and overseer of the priests dedicated to Horus. Moreover, he held the honorable position of “smiter of the rekhyt people.”

Cast Your Eyes On the Blessed Painting & Art of Beni Hasan

Beni Hassan is a true lively masterpiece of art as seen across all the wall paintings that bring to life a number of scenes that showcase their achievements, activities, and religious beliefs. These intricate murals depict beautiful scenes of ancient Egyptian agriculture, hunting, fishing, dancing, and various aspects of the common daily life of these incredibly influential people.

The scenes found on the tombs show spectacular, meaningful scenes about the most unique details about how their society functioned, how communities governed, and how bureaucracy was executed. The skilled ancient Egyptian craftsmen and artistry on display across the walls offer a vivid portrayal of ancient Egyptian clothing, hairstyles, tools, and activities, providing a visual time capsule of the era’s aesthetics.

Shed Light On the Epic Religious Significance of Beni Hasan

Beni Hassan art and wall paintings have the power to shed light on the religious significance and the funerary customs that took place during the Middle Kingdom. All the tombs contain phenomenal paintings showcasing a number of scenes of religious offerings to the ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses, rituals being performed by priests, and across the walls are the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

Beni Hassan is a true embodiment of the dedication of the ancient Egyptians towards their religion, which centered around death and moving on to the ancient Egyptian afterlife. It showcases how important the concept of eternally preserving both the body and the soul, plus providing all the deceased with all the information relating to their life and achievements. These wall depictions were intended to ensure the well-being and protection of the deceased in the divine realm and to maintain a connection with the gods.

Witness the Famous Rock Cut Beni Hasan Tombs in Minya

Out of the 39 tombs, only four are open to the public. Notable accessible tombs include Tomb 2, belonging to Amenemhat (Ameny), a nomarch under Senusret I; Tomb 3, belonging to Khnumhotep II, featuring depictions of Semitic traders; Tomb 15, belonging to Baqet III, known for wrestling scenes; and Tomb 17, belonging to Khety, displaying possible ball games. Several other tombs are closed to the public, such as Tomb 4 (Khnumhotep IV), Tomb 13 (Khnumhotep, royal scribe), Tomb 14 (Khnumhotep I), Tomb 21 (Nakht), Tomb 23 (Netjernakht), Tomb 27 (Ramushenti), Tomb 29 (Baqet I), and Tomb 33 (Baqet II), among others.

In the south section of the cemetery is a great temple made by Thutmose III and Hatshepsut, it was entirely dedicated to the goddess Pakhet, the lioness goddess of war, who was associated with the Greek goddess “Artemis” which would explain why the subterranean Temple is known as the cave of Artemis.

The most famous and informative tombs in Beni Hassan include the following:

Amenemhat Tomb

Amenemhat/Ameny was buried in a decorated tomb located in the necropolis of Beni Hasan. The tomb’s chapel contained a large room with columns, adorned with paintings depicting scenes of wrestling, a fortress siege, a ritual “Quest to Abydos,” artisans, farmers, desert hunting, and offerings. Amenemhat and his wife Hetepet were depicted on the south wall with numerous offerings.

The tomb’s ceiling had three epic decorated naves, and a marvelous small cult niche on the east side, possibly holding a statue group of Amenemhat. A graffito in the tomb hinted at the presence of the little-known pharaoh Wepwawetemsaf, suggesting his authority might have reached Beni Hasan from Abydos, though the precise reading of the graffito is uncertain due to its lost original.

Khnumhotep II Tomb

Khnumhotep II’s Rock-Cut Tomb is a remarkable ancient necropolis feature. The tomb’s entrance was accessed through a distinct path, flanked by dark brown boulders, leading from an open outer court down the hill to cultivated land. The tomb’s design includes a columned portico and courtyard, surrounded by mud-brick walls. The portico’s ceiling is curved like a segmented barrel.

The entrance to the tomb chapel bears a fourteen-line inscription detailing festal days for funeral offerings, alongside Khnumhotep II’s name and titles. Inside, the main chamber features a symmetrical design with four columns supporting a segmented barrel-shaped ceiling. Painted vaults resemble tent patterns.

The chamber’s light source was the portico doorway. A pivot hole remains from an inward-swinging door, adorned with prayers to Osiris and Anubis above a seated Khnumhotep II. Notable features include a small rectangular shrine on the east wall, once holding a statue of Khnumhotep II.

The main chamber displays an autobiographical account of Khnumhotep II, covering his actions, family, their relationship with the royal house, his character, and requests for offerings. The west wall depicts funeral preparations and the resurrection of the deceased, symbolized by boat journeys connecting Khnumhotep II to Osiris.

The east wall portrays Khnumhotep II hunting in marshes, safeguarding his afterlife and rebirth. The south wall is dedicated to the cult of Khnumhotep II and his wife Khety, showing them seated before offering tables. The shrine’s placement of statues inside represents a new funerary art style of the Middle Kingdom. Notably, the tomb stands out for its depiction of the Aamu group, Asiatic nomadic traders, bringing offerings to the deceased.

Khnumhotep I Tomb

The tomb of Khnumhotep I at Beni Hasan is a rock-cut structure featuring a single offering chapel with two columns, though the columns are no longer present. The chapel’s painted walls have faded over time. Inside, two shafts lead to burial chambers, with only one being completed. A significant historical inscription is found on the west wall, detailing Khnumhotep I’s life, while a scene depicting him hunting in marshes is shown nearby.

A faded depiction of Khnumhotep I’s family, including a scene with family members and a false door, is on the north wall. The north wall also displays Khnumhotep I and his wife in front of an offering table, surrounded by workmen in various tasks, including a desert hunt. On the same wall, Khnumhotep I is shown observing marshland activities.

The east wall is dedicated to battle scenes, portraying a siege of a fortress or town with fighting soldiers and wrestlers. The south wall, though poorly preserved, shows Khnumhotep I sitting and watching various activities, including musicians playing music for him, and also standing while observing peasants working in the marshes.

Baqet III Tomb

Baqet III’s tomb is within the family necropolis at Beni Hasan, which consists of a cult chapel and an inner burial chamber, renowned for its impressive paintings. The northern wall illustrates Baqet and his wife engaged in daily activities, including hunting both real and mythical animals, as well as various artisans working.

The eastern wall portrays a fortified structure under Egyptian siege, defended by Egyptian infantry and attacked by a mixed army including Nubian bowmen and possibly Libyan slingers. This likely signifies a Theban military campaign. Additionally, the eastern wall showcases numerous wrestling techniques. Lastly, the south wall focuses on Baqet’s funeral rites, accompanied by scenes of people playing senet, an ancient board game.

Khety Tomb

Khety’s tomb chapel dates back to the early Eleventh Dynasty and features an entrance leading to a room with columns adorned with lotus capitals, though only solitary columns remain. The walls display various scenes, including wrestling, military drills, and a desert hunt on the eastern and northern walls.

Inside, there are 122 pairs of gladiators engaged in battle, along with depictions of defenders and besiegers in combat. The northern wall also shows barbers, carpentry, the tomb’s owner and his wife, funeral rituals, weaving, board games, and performances by young women. Kheti and his wife are prominently depicted in these activities. The southern wall portrays winemaking, musical interludes, and exercises, creating a diverse and vivid array of imagery in the tomb.