BADRSHEINMonument
The Tomb of Ni-Ankh-Khnum and Khnum-Hotep
29.8683, 31.2189
In the Saqqara necropolis lies one of ancient Egypt's most intriguing tombs, shared by two men — Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep — royal manicurists at the palace of a Fifth Dynasty king around 2400 BC. They were buried together, and their tomb's reliefs show them embracing nose to nose in poses otherwise reserved for married couples, sparking centuries of debate about their relationship.
Beyond the mystery, the painted scenes are a superb record of Old Kingdom life: boating on the marshes, banqueting, offering bearers and craftsmen at work, all rendered with delicate colour. The joint tomb is unique in the Egyptian record.
It makes a thought-provoking stop within a broader Saqqara visit for anyone drawn to the human stories behind the monuments.
Know before you go
Opening of individual Saqqara tombs rotates, so ask at the ticket office or your guide whether this one is accessible on the day you visit.