Geology, Architecture and Archaeological Overview of Four Ancient Rock-Cut Tombs in the Theban Necropolis at el-Khokha (Egypt)

Egyptian Dynasties, noble families and privileged people used the Theban Mountain for funerary purposes. The study site is located on the west bank of the River Nile in Upper Egypt, near Luxor. The use of this necropolis was long-lasting. Four tombs were studied, representing the late Old Kingdom, the First Intermediate Period and the 18 th and 19 th Dynasties of the New Kingdom. The tombs were reused as dwellings till the end of the past century, reflected in the alteration of the original structures. The paper describes the complex excavation history of the Theban necropolis. It provides an overview of the geological conditions of the region with a special focus on Tarawan Chalk, which is the host formation of the tombs, and briefly describes the overlaying Esna Shale and Thebes Limestone formations. The most important rock properties and their field appearance are also considered. Besides geological conditions, the current study includes the archaeological and architectural description of the four studied tombs, TT 184, TT 185, TT 412 and TT 413 (TT=Theban Tomb). It explains these tombs’ complex geometries and architectural elements with ground plans and cross-sections. The current conditions of the interiors and exteriors of the tombs, as well as the preservation of wall paintings, are richly illustrated. An overview of possible preservation measures and protection of these tombs is also given, aiming to provide data for further archaeological works and restoration projects.