Royal Tomb of Akhenaten
Archaeological Site Amarna-period royal tomb associated with Pharaoh Akhenaten
At Amarna in Minya Governorate, the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten is a rock‑cut burial complex from the Amarna period; Egyptology visitors and archaeology tours study its reliefs and ruined chambers.
The Royal Tomb of Akhenaten is a rock-cut burial complex at Amarna (Akhetaten) in Minya Governorate, Egypt, associated with the 18th Dynasty pharaoh Akhenaten. It dates to the mid-14th century BCE.
The tomb is part of the Royal Tombs area at Amarna and consists of carved chambers and passages hewn into the limestone; decorative reliefs and painted scenes once adorned parts of the complex. It is visited primarily by those exploring the wider Amarna capital site and its archaeological remains.
Constructed during Akhenaten’s reign as part of his new capital at Akhetaten, the tomb was intended for the Amarna royal family. The site fell into disuse after Akhenaten’s successors abandoned the city and subsequent centuries saw removal and weathering of decorative elements.
Located within the Tell el-Amarna archaeological zone in Middle Egypt, the royal tombs lie along the east bank of the Nile in Minya Governorate, forming one component of the wider remains of Akhetaten.
- Date and context: Cut into the bedrock at Amarna, the tomb dates to the 18th Dynasty and is associated with Pharaoh Akhenaten, who reigned in the mid-14th century BCE.
- Setting: The site forms part of the larger Amarna (Akhetaten) archaeological area, where several royal tombs and remains of the ancient capital are found.
How to Get to Royal Tomb of Akhenaten #
Tell el-Amarna (Amarna) is in the Minya Governorate on the west bank of the Nile. Access is typically by road from Minya city; organized tours from Luxor and Cairo are common. Visits to specific tombs should be arranged with licensed guides and local authorities.
Tips for Visiting Royal Tomb of Akhenaten #
- The Royal Tomb of Akhenaten is in Amarna/El‑Amarna region-visit only with an accredited guide and permit through Egyptian antiquities authorities.
- Bring sun protection and ample water-the area is exposed desert with few facilities.
- Combine the tomb visit with other Amarna sites (the Great Aten Temple, boundary stelae) for fuller context about Akhenaten's reign.
Best Time to Visit Royal Tomb of Akhenaten #
Cooler months between November and April are the most comfortable for visiting Amarna sites and tombs.
Weather & Climate near Royal Tomb of Akhenaten #
Royal Tomb of Akhenaten's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
