Beni Hassan Tombs

The Beni Hassan tombs are a series of 39 ancient Egyptian rock-cut tombs carved into limestone cliffs on the east bank of the Nile near Minya. Dating to the Middle Kingdom period (circa 2000-1800 BCE), these tombs belong to regional governors (nomarchs) and military commanders and are renowned for their exceptionally well-preserved wall paintings that provide invaluable insight into daily life in ancient Egypt.

The Paintings

The wall paintings at Beni Hassan are among the most vivid and detailed surviving from the Middle Kingdom, depicting scenes of daily life including farming, hunting, fishing, wrestling, warfare, and craft production. The famous wrestling scenes in the Tomb of Khety, showing hundreds of different wrestling holds and positions, are unique in Egyptian art. The Tomb of Khnumhotep II features a celebrated scene showing the arrival of a Semitic trading caravan, an important historical document of international relations in the Middle Kingdom.

Getting There

Beni Hassan is located approximately 20 kilometers south of Minya and requires a ferry crossing. The tombs are reached by climbing a steep path up the cliff face, rewarding visitors with not only the tomb paintings but also sweeping views of the Nile Valley below.