Asyut Western Cliff Tombs (Lycopolis Necropolis)
Asyut Tombs · Lycopolis Tombs · Asyut Cliff Tombs · Siut Tombs
First Intermediate to Middle Kingdom (2181–1650 BCE)·Egyptian (13th Upper nome; nomarchs)·🇪🇬 Asyut Governorate, Asyut (Lycopolis/Siut) west bank limestone cliffs 3 km west of Nile, Deir Mawas road, Egypt
About
About Asyut Western Cliff Tombs (Lycopolis Necropolis)
Thirteenth nome capital necropolis on 150 m limestone cliff, Asyut shows 40 First Intermediate–Middle Kingdom tombs (nomarchs: Khety I, Iti-ibi, Djefaihapi contract pillar 500 lines regulating mortuary cults), huge hall 30×15×12 m high with 12-sided pillars, Coptic hermit graffiti, and dog-burial field (Lycopolis wolf god Wepwawet). View over Nile bend.
Why it mattersLongest ancient mortuary contract (Djefaihapi) and First Intermediate power documentary art.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Contract recopy?
- 02Dog-cult extent
Theories
- 01El Berys Asyut tombs
- 02Griffith contracts
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Tombs First Intermediate Period c.2180–2050 BCE; Djefaihapi 1930 BCE
- Period
- First Intermediate to Middle Kingdom (2181–1650 BCE)
- Culture
- Egyptian (13th Upper nome; nomarchs)
- Builders
- Egyptian nomarchs (Asyut princes)
- Purpose
- Greatest First Intermediate rock-tomb series with mortuary law document
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
2180 BCE
First Intermediate tombs cut
1930 BCE
Djefaihapi contract pillar (500-line)
1990–1800 BCE
Twelfth Dyn. reuse and Coptic hermits later
On the ground
Structures & features
27.1840° N · 31.1500° E · 150 m · 2 mapped features
Hall of Djefaihapi Contract Pillar
tomb30×15 m hall with 500-line pillar regulating mortuary priest incomes
27.1850° N · 31.1510° ENomarch Warrior Frieze Hall
hallKhety I hall with soldiers and wrestlers painted frieze 12 m long
27.1830° N · 31.1490° E
Gallery