Ahmose, Son of Ebana, an Ancient Egyptian Naval Commander

Reproduction Details

Object Type: Wall painting

Materials: Limestone, plaster, pigment

Date: c. 1550–1525 BC

Period: 17th-18th Dynasty, Second Intermediate Period-New Kingdom

Findspot: Tomb of Ahmose, el-Kab

Print Reference: DP122 - Ahmose, Son of Ebana

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About the Artwork

This reproduction showcases a wall painting from the tomb of Ahmose, son of Ebana, at Elkab, dating back to c. 1550–1525 BC during the early Dynasty 18. Ahmose was a notable naval officer who served under Seqenenre Tao, Kamose, and Ahmose I. His career spanned the wars that expelled the Hyksos and secured Egypt’s reunification.

The hieroglyphic biography of Ahmose, son of Ebana, in his rock tomb at ancient Necheb (el-Kab)

In his modest cliff-cut tomb, Ahmose recorded one of the most detailed first-person military autobiographies known from ancient Egypt. This text recounts his bravery in battle and the rewards he received. It also provides invaluable historical evidence for Egypt’s military and political transformation at the dawn of the New Kingdom.

In this scene, Ahmose is depicted at a large scale, a traditional marker of his status and authority. At his feet, rendered in smaller scale, is his grandson Pahery, a scribe of Amun. Pahery was responsible for overseeing the decoration of his grandfather’s tomb, which is dedicated in blue hieroglyphics. The gold hieroglyphic columns visible here contain the opening lines of Ahmose’s autobiography, situating him firmly within the service of the Theban kings and the divine order they embodied.

Translation

Pahery's Dedication (Blue Hieroglyphics)

(1) It is the son of his daughter who directed the work (2) in this tomb, being the one who causes to live the name of the father of his mother (3) scribe of forms of Amun, Pahery, justified.

Ahmose's Autobiography (Gold Hieroglyphics)

(1) Naval commander Ahmose, son of Ebana, justified, (2) says: "I speak to you, all people. I will let you know the favours that were granted to me. I have been rewarded with gold seven times..."

The autobiography continues over 66 columns. In these columns, Ahmose describes his military career, highlighting significant battles and the honours he received. Read the full translation here.

Further Reading

• Davies, W. V. (2009). The tomb of Ahmose Son-of-Ibana at Elkab. Documenting the family and other observations. Elkab and Beyond. Studies in Honour of Luc Limme, W. Claes, H. De Meulenaere, and S. Hendrickx (Eds).

• Sethe, K. (1927). Urkunden der 18. Dynastie. Volume I. Hinrichs, Leipzig.