Djeru

Djeru is an ancient Egyptian site located in the Western Desert, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Faiyum. It is notable for its extensive rock-cut tombs and temples, which were constructed during the late New Kingdom period, specifically from the 21st to the 25th Dynasty. The site is named after the local Bedouin tribe, the Djeru, who have lived in the area for centuries.

The tombs at Djeru are remarkable for their size and the wealth of their decorations. They were carved into the sandstone cliffs and feature intricate reliefs depicting scenes from daily life, religious ceremonies, and the afterlife. The most famous tomb at Djeru is that of Ramose, a high official during the reign of Hatshepsut. The tomb is particularly notable for its extensive and well-preserved decorations, which provide valuable insights into the funerary practices and beliefs of the time.

The temples at Djeru were also significant, serving as places of worship and possibly as administrative centers. They were constructed using a combination of rock-cut and mud-brick techniques. The most prominent temple is the Temple of Hatshepsut, which was dedicated to the goddess Hathor. This temple is notable for its large size and the quality of its decorations, which include reliefs depicting the queen's triumphs and her relationship with the goddess Hathor.

The site of Djeru was rediscovered in the early 20th century by French archaeologists. Since then, it has been the subject of extensive archaeological exploration and excavation. The tombs and temples at Djeru have yielded a wealth of artifacts, including statues, inscriptions, and other objects that provide valuable information about the art, religion, and society of ancient Egypt during the late New Kingdom period.

Today, Djeru is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire the site's unique architecture and the beauty of its rock-cut tombs and temples. The site is also of great importance to Egyptologists, as it continues to yield new discoveries that contribute to our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history.