Archaeological site · Luxor
El Assasif
Monumental tombs beneath Hatshepsut's cliffs of Thebes
- City
- Luxor
- Era
- New Kingdom to Late Period, c. 1550–525 BC
Overview
El Assasif is an ancient cemetery on the West Bank of Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes, lying in a shallow valley between Deir el-Bahari and the hills of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna. It forms part of the vast Theban Necropolis, where officials, priests and nobles prepared their eternal homes across many centuries. Today it is best known for its large, deeply carved tombs, many belonging to high-ranking figures of the Late New Kingdom and the Late Period.
Some of the most striking monuments here date to the 25th and 26th Dynasties, when Theban elites built enormous tombs with open sun courts, pillared halls and long underground passages. Well-known examples include the tombs of Pabasa, Padiamenopet and Montuemhat, whose owners held important posts in temple administration and in the household of the God's Wife of Amun. These tombs show a conscious revival of older Egyptian art styles, combined with dense religious texts and elaborate burial architecture.
El Assasif also preserves earlier monuments, notably the tomb of Kheruef, a steward of Queen Tiye during the reign of Amenhotep III, known for its refined relief scenes of royal festivals. The area lies close to Deir el-Bahari, making it an easy addition to a West Bank itinerary. Its tombs offer a quieter and more specialised experience than the better-known royal tombs nearby, and they reward visitors with an interest in Egyptian funerary art.
What to see
- 01Tomb of Pabasa (TT279): a Late Period chief steward's tomb with a sunken court and richly decorated chambers
- 02Tomb of Kheruef (TT192): fine relief scenes from the reign of Amenhotep III and his court
- 03Tomb of Padiamenopet (TT33): one of the largest private tombs in the Theban Necropolis, with a vast complex of halls
- 04Tomb of Montuemhat (TT34): a monumental Late Period tomb of a powerful Theban official
Visitor tips
- Which tombs are open and how tickets work can change, so confirm details at the West Bank ticket office before you go.
- Visit in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and bring water, sun protection and a small torch for dim passages.
- Combine El Assasif with nearby Deir el-Bahari and the Qurna tombs, and ask about photography rules at each tomb.
Frequently asked questions
Where is El Assasif located?
El Assasif is on the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor, in the Theban Necropolis between Deir el-Bahari and Sheikh Abd el-Qurna.
What is El Assasif famous for?
It is famous for its monumental private tombs, especially those of the 25th and 26th Dynasties such as Pabasa, Padiamenopet and Montuemhat, as well as the tomb of Kheruef from the time of Amenhotep III.
Can I visit El Assasif together with Deir el-Bahari?
Yes. The two sites are close to each other on the West Bank, so many visitors combine them in a single trip, though open tombs and ticketing should be checked locally.
