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. In December 2025 we started work at Theban Tomb 136, tomb - 529-, and Theban Tomb 137. These tombs were 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 the houses, the tombs are now surrounded by high heaps of debris and the remains of 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".

Our first investigation of Theban Tomb 137 in December 2025 shows that this is a large inverted T-shaped tomb, consisting of a transverse hall and a longitudinal hall with vaulted ceilings, and a niche at the end of the longitudinal hall. The walls and ceiling of the tomb are covered in a layer of black soot as a result of the modern habitation. On the reveals of the passage giving access to the longitudinal hall are remains of a relief showing the deceased, and remains of several columns of hieroglyphic inscriptions, which are currently difficult to read due to the fact that they are partially covered in modern plaster. As part of our first investigation of the tomb in December 2025, we also examined the sooted walls and ceiling. In both the transverse hall and the longitudinal hall, the walls and ceiling are clearly plastered under the soot, and closer examination allowed us to conclude that in fact, the entire tomb was originally decorated with painted plaster. As part of our future work in Theban Tomb 137 we aim to remove the soot, which will expose the original painted decoration.

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

The longitudinal hall of Theban Tomb 137.