A Dream Destination for Egyptologists: The Amazing Amarna Necropolis

Amarna is a dream destination for many Egyptologists. The temples, tombs, and houses left by the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago make up one of the most impressive discoveries in Egypt. The city of Akhenaten was destroyed, but the ruins and tombs tell its eternal story.

Before the city of Amarna was abandoned the inhabitants had created a magnificent group of tombs. The Royal Wadi contains the tombs of the pharaoh’s family, including the final resting place of Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Tiye, Kiya, and others. All of the tombs were heavily damaged, however, the reliefs and artifacts which survived still tell a beautiful and touching story of the city which was inhabited for a very short time, but continues to be a key site in the country’s history.

An award scene with Akhenaten and Nefertiti from the tomb of Parennefer (Amarna tomb 7). (Public Domain)

The Tombs of the Royal Family

Entering the tombs of the Royal Wadi, visitors can see walls full of reliefs damaged by priests in ancient times, but also by other people over the years. Looted an unbelievable number of times, currently the tombs are protected by guards and gates, but there is still a lot to do to preserve them. The most important part of the necropolis is comprised of just a few tombs, of which at least three are unfinished.