Deir el-Gabrawi

Deir el-Gabrawi

Near the village of Deir el-Gabrawi, on the east bank of the Nile, north of Asyut is a cemetery a hundred rock tombs dating from the late Old Kingdom and First Intermediate Period. Once part of the 12th High Egyptian nome, the site contains the graves of powerful governors of the provinces of the region, the local deity was against a falcon-headed god of war.

 

Deir el-Gabrawi

The tombs are carved into the hill into two main groups, an upper and lower level and are connected by stone steps. Some of senior status buried here controlled a vast area stretching from Deir el-Gabrawi far as Abydos, and titles recognized as the "Great Overlord of Abydene Nome." The most important tombs on the upper level and belong to Ibi Gawa, two senior officials of the Middle Kingdom early and they can be opened on demand. Scenes in the tombs show owners who participate in religious rites and agricultural and industrial activities. Reliefs of the tombs have been stolen in the mid-1990s, but have been returned and replaced in their original positions. Wall-scenes in Old Kingdom tombs represent owners who supervise crafts, agriculture, fishing and hunting.

Mud brick structures in Deir el-Gabrawi

 
Norman de Garis Davis finished recording work at Deir el-Gabrawi the early 20th century to the publication of graves on behalf of the Egypt Exploration Fund for their "Archaeological Survey," which was started by Percy Newbury.

How to get there

Deir el-Gabrawi is on the eastern bank of the Nile opposite the city of Manfalut, north of Assiut. The tombs are carved into the cliffs at the edge of the desert.