Beni Hassan Tombs: Magical Necropolis Unveiling Middle Kingdom Secrets

The Beni Hassan Tombs are one of the most prominent tourist and archaeological landmarks in Egypt. They have a special place in the history of ancient Egyptian civilization and date back to the Pharaonic eras. They reflect the architectural arts that distinguished the ancient Egyptians during that period. 

These tombs represent a mixture of history and art because they contain a group of inscriptions and drawings that tell stories of religious beliefs and the daily life of the ancient Egyptians at that time. 

They are distinguished by their unique design, as they were carved into the limestone rocks, making them a wonderful example of funerary architecture during this period. In this article we will learn about the Beni Hassan Tombs and some of their details, so follow us.

Discovery of the Beni Hassan Tombs

The Beni Hassan Tombs were discovered in the nineteenth century. It was a distinctive discovery at that time, as a mural was discovered in it containing many inscriptions. These inscriptions contained some of the religious and societal customs that distinguished the ancient Egyptians at that time, There were also a large number of provincial rulers in it.

It contains the tomb of Khnumhotep II, who was the ruler of this province during the reign of King Senusret II.

This cemetery is considered one of the secrets of the ancient Egyptian civilization that never ends. There are many stories and monuments in the history of the ancient Egyptians that are being discovered to this day and that have received the attention of the entire world because the ancient Egyptians excelled greatly in the arts of sculpture and architecture. Therefore the ancient Pharaonic monuments are the focus of attention of many tourists from all over the world.

The Beni Hassan tombs are considered one of the most important things that express the Egyptians’ ingenuity in art and architecture. These tombs were carved using some simple tools such as chisels or some wooden hammers, Despite this their impact has continued in Egypt until now and some entire families were buried in them.

The location of the Beni Hassan tombs

The Beni Hassan tombs are located south of Minya in a village known as the village of Beni Hassan, affiliated with the Abu Qurqas Center. This area is known as Middle Egypt. The ancient Egyptians used it extensively in the Middle Kingdom era. There is a temple built by Queen Hatshepsut near it, and King Thutmose III is also located near it. It was later named the cave because it is located entirely underground.

Use of Beni Hassan Tombs

The use of these tombs spread in the Middle Kingdom because a number of ancient Egyptians at that time were buried in local tombs and they were made of rock and decorated with engravings in the belief of the afterlife. With the change of the ruling system more than once in Egypt, the use of Beni Hassan tombs decreased and the ancient Egyptians began to rely on burying their dead by building tombs resembling pyramids. After many attempts the ancient Egyptians succeeded in building the pyramids of Giza known today.

Formation of Beni Hassan Tombs

The Beni Hassan Tombs consist of about 39 tombs that were built between the 21st century and the 19th century BC. Some of the rulers who ruled the country at that time were buried in them. The rocks in these tombs vary until they end at some slopes in the west. 

The Beni Hassan tombs were built on the eastern banks contrary to the belief of the ancient Egyptians before them, as most of the tombs were built on the western banks.

The Beni Hassan tombs are characterized by their diverse shapes, as there are tombs in the upper range and others in the lower range, and this difference depends on the deceased’s belongings. Important figures were buried in the upper range while the lower tomb was a large number of small tomb openings, although they are similar in general design.

Design of Beni Hassan tombs

Although these tombs date back to the Pharaonic era, the ancient Egyptians excelled in building them, as each tomb was a small room, and at the entrance to the tomb there was a place to receive the coffin of the deceased, and a group of food and drink was also placed in it, as well as some furniture that the ancient Egyptians believed they would use in the afterlife.

As for the upper tombs, they were decorated and some of the sculptures were placed in them because these tombs were made for the owners of prestigious social and political positions. They were an external courtyard and a room with stone columns decorated with engravings, then a narrow corridor leading to the burial chamber of the dead.

The biography of the owner of the tomb was engraved as well as some of the daily practices he practiced such as sports, hunting or war.

Some of the political positions that were buried in the tombs of Beni Hassan

Some of the governors of the regions who were buried in the tombs of Beni Hassan, especially in the era of the 11th and 12th dynasties. The most important of these are the tomb of Kheti, the tomb of Baqet III, the tomb of Khnumhotep II, and the tomb of Amenhotep III. All of these tombs are complete tombs that were skillfully made by the ancient Egyptians. Many engravings were drawn in them and were an example of precision and magnificence.

Restoration work in the Beni Hassan tombs

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities seeks to restore these tombs to attract more tourists because they express the religious and social life of the ancient Egyptians during this period. Indeed restoration of some tombs began in 2021. Some manual and mechanical tools were used to remove some of the dirt on the walls to begin cleaning and restoration work. Some chemical solutions were also used to remove the salts accumulated on the walls.

These tombs bear some funerary inscriptions, and there are some tombs in which the owner of the tomb was drawn and there is a table for offerings in front of him. 

This tomb is considered one of the most important places that attract tourists to visit Minya Governorate, so the Egyptian government seeks to complete the restoration of these tombs to attract more tourists.

FAQS

What is the importance of the Beni Hassan tombs?

The importance of these tombs is due to the Pharaonic inscriptions found in them. These inscriptions narrate more about the daily life religious life, and funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians in that A number of provincial governors were buried in these tombs and some of the activities they practiced were depicted.

What are the best times to visit the Beni Hassan tombs?

Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit these tombs due to the moderate weather at that time. They can also be visited in the winter because the weather in Minya Governorate is warm during the winter and should be avoided in the summer due to the high temperature in this area in the summer.

Were kings and princes buried in these tombs?

Kings and princes from the ruling family were not buried in the Beni Hassan tombs, but rather some provincial governors who married into the royal family were buried.

At the end of this article it should be noted that the Beni Hassan tombs are considered one of the most important things that indicate the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians in art and architecture. It also contains a lot of information about religious and daily life and some funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians. We hope that you like this article.