Tomb of Petosiris

Northern Nile Valley


The Tomb of Petosiris, a high priest of Thoth from the late period (between the Persian and Greek conquests), is unusual because it copies the form of what has come to be labelled as a Ptolemaic temple. Like his elaborate sarcophagus in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Petosiris's tomb is a fascinating mix. Although built in the reign of Nectanebo II, it shows both Persian and Greek influence. There are wonderful coloured reliefs of farming and of the deceased being given offerings, as well as others of daily life. The rectangular inner chamber is supported by four pillars. The burial chamber is beneath the centre of this space.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Nile Valley attractions

1. Tuna Al Gebel

0.11 MILES

Tuna Al Gebel was the necropolis of Hermopolis; about 5km past the village of Tuna Al Gebel you'll find the catacombs and tombs of the residents and…

2. Tomb of Isadora

0.12 MILES

Isadora was a wealthy woman who drowned in the Nile during the rule of Antoninus Pius (AD 138–161). Her tomb has few decorations but it does contain the…

3. North Palace

13.18 MILES

An isolated building on the north of the city and once entered through a monumental gate, this domestic complex contained a central courtyard with rooms…

4. Central City

13.35 MILES

The centre of Akhetaten contained the temple complex, the Great Palace and the King's House. The temple complex contained two main buildings, a sanctuary…

5. Tomb of Meryre II (No 2)

14.45 MILES

Meryre II was scribe, steward and 'Overseer of the Royal Harem of Nefertiti'. To the left of the entrance, you will find a scene that shows Nefertiti…

6. Tomb of Meryre I (No 4)

14.45 MILES

High priest of the Aten, Meryre is shown, on the left wall of the columned chamber, being carried by his friends to receive rewards from the royal couple…

7. Tomb of Ahmose (No 3)

14.46 MILES

Ahmose, whose title was ‘True Scribe of the King, Fan-Bearer on the King’s Right Hand’, was buried in the northern cemetery. Much of his tomb decoration…

8. Tomb of Panehsy (No 6)

14.46 MILES

The tomb of Panehsy, chief servant of the Aten in Akhetaten, retains the decorated facade most others have lost. Inside, scenes of the royal family,…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "egypt/nile-valley/beni-hasan-to-tell-al-amarna/attractions/tomb-of-petosiris/a/poi-sig/1436485/1330436",
      "destination": "Northern-Nile-Valley",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Egypt",
      "region": "Northern-Nile-Valley",
      "position": "superzone"
    }