Tomb of Ramses VI, Luxor

Tomb KV9 in the Valley of the Kings, initially built for Pharaoh Ramesses V, was repurposed as the final resting place for his uncle, Ramesses VI. Dating back to the 20th Dynasty, the architectural style reflects the era but is notably less elaborate compared to other tombs of the period, such as KV11. Notably, during excavation, workers accidentally breached into another tomb, KV12.

Ramesses VI's tomb stands out for its diverse decorations, breaking from tradition by drawing inspiration from the Osireion at Abydos. The layout features a lengthy corridor leading to a pillared hall and then descending to the burial chamber. The chamber's construction remained incomplete, evident by two connected pillars on the back wall.

Decorations at the entrance include a disk with a scarab, Ram-headed Ra flanked by Isis and Nephthys, and inscriptions of Ramesses VI's name, usurped from Ramesses V. The corridor walls depict scenes from the Book of Gates and Book of Caverns, while the ceilings feature astronomical motifs.

The pillared hall continues the narrative with scenes from the Book of Gates and Book of Caverns, adorned with depictions of Ramesses VI and various deities. The subsequent corridor displays scenes from the Book of Amduat and continues the celestial theme on its ceiling.

The antechamber, preceding the burial chamber, showcases Ramesses VI before Hekau and Maat, featuring transfiguration spells from the Book of the Dead. The burial chamber's walls depict the Books of the Earth, illustrating solar symbolism and resurrection themes.