The Functions of the Open Court of Theban Private Tombs of the 25th -26th Dynasties

The Theban necropolis is divided into many parts, which bear their modern Arabic names. These parts are, from north to south: el-Tarif, Dra Abu el-Naga (north and south), Al Assasif, el-Khokha; Sheikh Abd el-Qurna (upper and lower part), the Southern Assasif, and Qurnet Murai. Deir el-Medina, the whole necropolis extends for about three kilometers along the edge of the cultivated land opposite Luxor. This paper focuses on the main functions of the open court of the Theban private tombs of the 25th – 26th dynasties which are located in Al Assasif area including both the north and south Assasif in addition to some exceptional tombs. It will discuss the common name of this court, its importance as an architectural element that characterizes these tombs, its use as a cult place within the tomb, its use for the continuous relationship between the living and the deceased, and its natures as the solar, Osirian, and the Solar-Osirian unity in this court. The methodology of this study is descriptive, analytical, and comparative study as it describes the scenes of the open court and analysis its themes and compare between the different Theban private tombs of the 25th -26th dynasties of the Theban necropolis. The study shows the importance and unique architecture, art, and religious nature of this court.