Maya and Thutmosis inscriptions in the tomb of Thutmosis IV (KV 43)
In the tomb of Thutmosis IV in the Valley of the Kings, on the wall of the antechamber, there are two inscriptions in elegant hieratic script that recall the restoration of the tomb, probably damaged by thieves or iconoclasts of the Amarna period. It is worth remembering that it was Horemheb, the first ruler, to restore the monuments damaged during the heresy of Akhenaten. Indeed, the restoration of this tomb was carried out during the reign of Horemheb.
Below, I provide both texts with the transcription in hieroglyphs (from left to right for easier reading), transliteration, and translation.
Transcription into hieroglyphic characters
Transliteration
Translation
- Year 8 of reign, 3rd month of inundation, day 1 under the Majesty of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt <Geser-ka-Ra, Setep-en-Ra>, son of Ra <Hor-em-heb, Mer-en-Amon>.
- His Majesty - life, prosperity, health - commanded to assign the duty to the Fan Bearer on the King's right, Royal Scribe, Superintendent of the Treasury, Superintendent of works in the seat of eternity,
- Guide in the festival of Amun in Karnak, Maya, son of the dignitary Iwy, born from the Lady of the house Uret,
- to restore the tomb of King <Men-kheperu-Ra> righteous of voice in the august temple in the west of Thebes.
Below is the second inscription, made by Maya's assistant, Thutmosis, namesake of the Sovereign.
Transcription into hieroglyphic characters
Transliteration
Translation
- His (of Maya) assistant, Superintendent of the temple of the city.
- Thutmosis, son of Hatiay.
- His mother is Yuhkhes, of the city.
