The Royal Wadi of Amarna parallels the Valley of the Kings in Thebes. The tombs are characterized by their rock-cut architecture, with some being fully decorated and others remaining unfinished. It comprises several (at least 4-6) tombs, each with unique architectural features and historical significance. The most prominent of these is the Royal Tomb (Tomb 26), believed to have been intended for Pharaoh Akhenaten, his mother Tiye, and his daughter Meketaten. An unfinished annex suggests that it may have also been planned for Queen Nefertiti.

circa 1346-1332 BCE

Tomb 26 (Royal Tomb of Akhenaten)
The Royal Tomb, designated as Tomb 26, is the most significant burial site within the Royal Wadi. It is a multichambered tomb believed to have been intended for Pharaoh Akhenaten, his mother Tiye, and his daughter Meketaten. An unfinished annex suggests that it may have also been planned for Queen Nefertiti as well. The tomb's design is characterized by a straight axis, with a series of chambers leading to the burial chamber. The walls of the tomb were originally decorated with scenes depicting the royal family under rays of the Aten and mourning scenes, reflecting the religious iconography of the period. The tomb was rediscovered in the 1880s, with official excavations beginning in 1891 under the direction of Alessandro Barsanti. The Royal Tomb is the only decorated tomb in the wadi and provides valuable insights into the burial practices and religious beliefs of the Amarna Period.

circa 1346-1332 BCE

Tomb 27
Tomb 27 is located in a side valley branching off from the main wadi. It is an unfinished tomb, consisting of a monumental doorway, an entrance staircase, and a single descending corridor. The tomb's dimensions suggest that it was intended for a royal burial, possibly that of Akhenaten's successor, Neferneferuaten. However, the tomb was never completed, and no burial materials have been found within it.

circa 1346-1332 BCE

Tomb 28
Tomb 28 (occupant unknown) is the only finished tomb in the Royal Wadi. It is cut into the floor of the valley and consists of a descending staircase leading to a series of chambers. The tomb's structural integrity is compromised due to the crumbly nature of the limestone rock. Artifacts recovered near the tomb suggest that it may have been intended for the burial of a royal child, possibly a daughter of Akhenaten and Kiya, a lesser wife of the pharaoh. The tomb's design and the associated artifacts provide insights into the burial practices and material culture of the Amarna Period.

circa 1346-1332 BCE

Tomb 29
Tomb 29 (occupant unknown) is located south of Tomb 28 and is characterized by its unfinished state. It consists of an entrance stairway and several descending corridors, with the fourth corridor left incomplete. The tomb's design is similar to the suite of rooms in the Royal Tomb thought to have been intended for the burial of Nefertiti. The presence of a docket referring to "Year 1" indicates that the tomb was still in use during the early years of Akhenaten's successors. However, the tomb was abandoned before completion, and no burial materials have been found within it. The walls are quite nicely cut (but bear flood damage) and in some cases plastered has survived a little bit on the walls. The tomb follows the layout and deisgn typical to royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

circa 1346-1332 BCE

Tomb 30
Tomb 30 (occupant unknown) is a small, simple tomb located just north of the Royal Tomb. It consists of a descending entrance leading to a single, unfinished room. The tomb's simplicity and location suggest that it may have been used as a cache for embalming materials associated with the individuals buried in the Royal Tomb. The lack of decorations and the unfinished nature of the tomb indicate that it was not intended for a royal burial.