Recent results and future prospects of the Dutch archaeological expedition at the Theban Necropolis

NVIC Cairo, 15 January 2026 

 

Since 2018, a fieldwork and research project takes place in and around TT45 in the Theban Necropolis, directed by Carina van den Hoven (The Netherlands Institute for the Near East, Leiden University). This lecture presents recent results of the project, outlining how the project has evolved since 2018.

A particularly interesting aspect of TT45 is its painted wall decoration, which dates to the time of Amenhotep II (ca. 1425–1400 BCE), and which was partially modified in the Ramesside period by the second tomb owner. New paintings were added to wall sections that had been left undecorated by the first tomb owner, and the existing 18^th Dynasty paintings were partially retouched and repainted, thus updating them to contemporary Ramesside style and personal preference. This lecture will outline the ‘proof of concept’ that we developed for the digital documentation and material analysis of the various paint layers in TT45, showing how non-destructive techniques such as infrared photography, XRF (X-ray fluorescence), photogrammetry, 3D modelling, digital epigraphy, and digital reconstruction are used in the documentation and analysis of the ancient wall paintings.

Furthermore, the team has been working on the development of preventive conservation measures and a risk management program aimed at protecting TT45 and neighbouring monuments against flash flooding. At the same time, as will be shown in this lecture, these activities allowed the team to carry out a detailed archaeological investigation of the tomb and its extensions and associated structures, providing us with new insights on the tomb structure and use history of TT45.  

In 2025 we received a large extension of the concession in Lower Sheikh ʿAbd el-Qurna, which now comprises TT45, TT133, TT136, and TT137, as well as -290-, -528-, -529-, -530-, and -531-. In conclusion to this lecture, Carina will outline the main aims and objectives of the research and fieldwork project in this area, about which very little is currently known and which is in urgent need of protection, and she will present the first results of the fieldwork carried out here in December 2025.

 

 

Lecture by: Carina van den Hoven

 

 

Language: English

 

 

Date: 15 January 2026

 

 

Time: 18.00-19.00 (Cairo time)
 

 

Location: The Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, 1 Dr Mahmoud Azmi Street, Zamalek, Cairo