Ramesses IV (Valley Of The Kings - KV2)

An Introduction To KV2

Tomb KV2 in the Valley of the Kings is the burial place of Ramesses IV. Ramesses IV was the successor of Ramesses III who was killed. When his father was assassinated Ramesses IV took over the throne. At the time Egypt was facing an economic decline and was going through a very hard phase in its history. KV2 is different than most other tombs in this area and larger. It is simply constructed but still unique in a number of ways. In 1829 the tomb was used as a hotel where early explorers like Champollion, Robert Hay, Rossellini, Theodore Davis, Furst Puckler and others used to stay. The tomb held significance as a Coptic Christian dwelling and was used a lot in antiquity. The tomb walls also display a large amount of Coptic and Greek graffiti.

Details About The Tomb

The intended design is said to have been cut short due to the limited time availability. Also, the tomb is said to have two sketch plans, the more popular of which has been completed on a papyrus and is now in Turin. The decoration used in KV2 is still intact and successfully reveals the use of several elements as done originally. The two first passages in the tomb have scenes from the Litany of Re, while the third one is decorated with parts of the Book of Caverns. Anteroom, on the other hand, is decorated with Book of the Dead and Burial chamber has a mix of new and old works. Walls in the tomb have parts of Amduat, Book of Gates, Book of the Heavens and Decan lists. The sarcophagus is broken at one end, the lid is missing, and the mummy of the king was once removed.

The tomb's facade is decorated with illustrations depicting the king’s coronation and with pictures of Isis and Nephyths venerating the sun disk. Ceilings inside have pictures of vultures, falcons and winged scarabs with spread wings.

Noteworthy Features Of KV2

The tomb's downward slope is a rare feature. The opening of the spilled stairway at the entrance into three corridors is another noteworthy feature. The ending of the last chamber into the antechamber and a burial chamber is another rare thing. The absence of lateral annexes in the tomb and presence of few small annexes on the burial chamber’s rear end is another remarkable feature. Another feature that seems rare is the unusual width and height of the corridors.

Discovery Of KV2

The tomb was first discovered by Edward Ayrton during 1905-1906, after which Howard Carter excavated it again in 1920. Shabtis, many ostraca, fragments of wood, faience, and glass were some things, which both of these Egyptologists found from inside the tomb.

The tomb of Ramesses IV is said to contain the second highest number of ancient graffiti inside it, having 656 individual graffitis which have been left behind by both ancient Greek and Roman visitors.