Inside the Tomb of Rekhmire.
Scrambling in the Tombs of the Nobles: The Tomb of Rekhmire
Stepping into the Tomb of Rekhmire (TT100) in the Theban Necropolis is like opening a 3,500-year-old time capsule. Dating back to approximately 1400 BC—the reigns of Thutmose III and Amenhotep II—this isn’t just a burial site; it’s a vivid record of the ancient world.
Exterior views to TT100.
A Window into Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
While the Valley of the Kings focuses on the journey to the afterlife, the Tombs of the Nobles offer a rare glimpse into the "here and now" of the 18th Dynasty.
What makes TT100 truly unforgettable are the lavishly illustrated panels depicting daily life. These scenes cover everything from tax collection and foreign tribute to the intricate work of craftsmen.
Laborers making mud bricks illustrate on the tomb wall.
The Biblical Connection: Brick-Making and the Exodus
For those tracking biblical history, the "brick-making" scenes in Rekhmire's tomb are particularly striking. Living during the era many scholars associate with the time of Moses, Rekhmire was the Vizier (the highest-ranking official) under two powerful Pharaohs.
The tomb's wall paintings provide a vivid visual commentary on the labor conditions described in the Book of Exodus:
The Process: You can see workers fetching water and mixing mud with straw.
The Labor: Figures are shown using molds to sun-dry bricks, exactly as described in the biblical narrative.
The Context: Seeing these ancient laborers at work brings the historical reality of Egyptian servitude into colorful focus.
Khalid, a resident of Qurnah, gave me a great tour of the Tombs of the Nobles.
Why TT100 is a "Must-Visit"
Unlike the crowded royal tombs nearby, the Tomb of Rekhmire allows for a quieter, more intimate experience with history. The high-quality pigments and the sheer scale of the scenes make it one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the socio-economic life of the New Kingdom.
Nubians presenting a giraffe and an monkey as tribute, as depicted in the Tomb of Rekhmire (TT100).
Come explore Egypt with us!
We have four upcoming Egypt study-tours. Email us here for details.
May 5 - 15, 2026
January 1 - 9, 2027
January 23 - February 7, 2027
March 30 - April 8, 2027
Whether you’re a Bible reader, history buff, or a modern-day explorer, the West Bank of Luxor offers an gripping experience of the world of the Bible.