Tomb of Rekhmire

Vizier's tomb with remarkable scenes of tribute-bearers from Nubia, Syria, and the wider ancient world

The Tomb of Rekhmire is one of the finest non-royal tombs at Thebes, famous for its remarkable paintings of foreign tribute-bearers bringing goods from Nubia, Syria, Punt, and the Aegean islands to the court of pharaoh. The paintings show extraordinary cultural detail — distinctive dress, facial features, and gifts — from the breadth of the ancient world that Egypt touched. You can see Minoan-style vessels, African wildlife, and the goods of ancient trade routes in single panoramic scenes.

The tomb is in the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna area of the Theban necropolis, a short distance from the Valley of the Kings. It is included in a joint ticket covering multiple tombs in this area. The paintings are in good condition and the detail is extraordinary — bring a torch even if there is electric light, as the painted surfaces reward close examination. This is the kind of tomb that professional Egyptologists return to repeatedly; for a first-time visitor it is one of the revelations of the Luxor experience.

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A story
Rekhmire served as Vizier — effectively prime minister — under pharaohs Thutmose III and Amenhotep II in the 15th century BC. His tomb inscriptions include a detailed description of the duties of the Vizier, a document so comprehensive that it has become a primary source for how Egyptian government actually worked. The tomb was never used for burial: the rear wall, where the burial shaft would normally be, was painted over with a false door. Some scholars think Rekhmire fell from favour and died in disgrace, denied his burial rites.

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