KV23: Pharaoh Ay
King's Valley - The Valleys - The PlacesPharaoh Ay
Born in: Akhmim, Upper Egypt
Died in: Thebes
Reigned: From approx. 1326BC
Reigning Name: Kheperkheperure-Ay, meaning Everlasting are the Manifestations of Re
Throne Name: Ay it-netjer, meaning Ay, Father of the God
Predecessor: Pharaoh Tutankhamun to whom he acted as Vizier
Successor: Pharaoh Horemheb, his son-in-law
Relief of Pharaoh Ay
Click on the Image to learn about the life of Pharaoh Ay
Pictures from the Interior of Pharaoh Ay’s King’s Valley Tomb, KV23
The tomb has a straightforward layout compared to some of its era. A straight corridor with steps leading to the First Corridor; onto the Second Corridor which again has steps; beyond is the Burial Chamber off to the right with Annexes for storage for all of the Funerary Goods.
Decoration is sparse, confined only to the Burial Chamber and looks very similar, but not identical, to that used to decorate Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s Tomb. It has a Hippo and Bird Hunting Scene with Ducks flying above Papyrus Plants, and 12 Baboons representing the first Spells in the Book of Amduat.
The Sarcophagus is made of Red Quartzite and has images of the Goddesses carved in its corner to offer their protection to the mummy. This echoes Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s Sarcophagus almost identically.
