Theban Tomb 137

Theban Tomb 137 is situated in the area of Lower Sheikh ʿAbd el-Qurna, immediately adjacent to tomb -529- and to Theban Tomb 13 6.

We started work in Theban Tomb 137 in December 2025. The tomb was until recently hidden under modern houses, which were built on top and in front of many of the tombs at Qurna. Between 2006 and 2010, the houses at Qurna were demolished as part of a countrywide policy of removing modern buildings from archaeological sites, and the inhabitants were relocated to new villages. As a result of the demolition of the houses, the tombs are now surrounded by high heaps of debris and the remains of the partially demolished buildings.

So far, not much is known about Theban Tomb 137. According to Porter and Moss, the tomb dates to the reign of Ramesses II, and the tomb owner can be identified as Mose, who was "head of works of the Lord of the Two Lands in every monument of Amun".

Theban Tomb 137 consists of a transverse hall and a longitudinal hall with vaulted ceilings, and a niche at the end of the longitudinal hall. Based on its architecture, the tomb can be dated to the New Kingdom (ca. 1550–1070 BCE).

In the passage giving access to the longitudinal hall are the remains of a relief showing the deceased, and the remains of several columns of hieroglyphic inscriptions, which are currently difficult to read as they are partially covered in modern plaster. Furthermore, as a result of the recent human habitation of the tomb, its walls and ceiling are currently covered in a layer of black soot. As part of our conservation programme for Theban Tomb 137, we will remove the modern plaster and the soot from its walls and ceilings. This will expose the original decoration, enabling us to read the hieroglyphic texts allowing us to identify the tomb owners, and to study the painted wall decoration in order to establish the historical and personal narratives associated with this monument.

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View on the entrance area of Theban Tomb 136 (left), tomb -529- (center), and Theban Tomb 137 in December 2025.