Beni Hassan Necropolis in El-Minya: A testimony to the architectural skills of the ancient Egyptians

CAIRO – 12 January 2022: The Beni Hassan cemetery is located in El-Minya, one of the most fertile areas in Egypt. This fertility led to an economic boom, which is why this site houses some of the most impressive Middle Kingdom tombs.

The cemetery consists of upper and lower parts  The lower cemetery, which contains 800 tombs, is located on the slopes of the hills, and contains many well-tombs. 

Inscriptions inside one of Beni Hassan Necropolises - social media

The tombs of the Lower Necropolis belong to different employees from the First Intermediate Period (circa 2181-2055 BC) to the Middle Kingdom (around 2055-1650 BC). However, there are tombs belonging to the Late Kingdom period (about 2345-2181 BC), such as the cemetery of Ibi. 

Inside one of Beni Hassan Necropolises - social media

While the Upper Necropolis includes 39 tombs carved in the rock, which means that they are cut horizontally in the rocks of the cliffs.

The walls of 12 of these tombs are decorated with beautifully painted detailed scenes, depicting scenes from daily life, including agriculture, crafts, various occupations, and a range of activities such as hunting, various games, and even scenes of war, and the arrival of foreigners into Egyptian lands.

Inscriptions in one of the necropolises in Beni Hassan - social media

The upper cemetery tombs, according to the website of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, are a testimony to the architectural skills of the ancient Egyptians. They were meticulously carved into the rock using simple tools such as chisels with bronze blades that were struck with wooden hammers.

These tombs are the places of eternal rest for the chief officials of this region, District No. 16 in Upper Egypt. It dates back to the Eleventh and Twelfth Dynasties (around 2055-1795 BC).