Royal Tomb of Akhenaten

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.

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.

• 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.