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Primary sourceArtifactc. 1470 BCE

Tomb of Senenmut with Astronomical Ceiling

Workshop of Senenmut · c. 1470 BCE

The tomb of Senenmut, Hatshepsut's chief steward, decorated with the oldest known Egyptian astronomical ceiling, showing his closeness to her court.

The tomb of her chief steward reveals the wealth and favor Hatshepsut granted to her closest officials.

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Framed facsimile drawing of an Egyptian astronomical ceiling, showing rows of star patterns, hieroglyphic inscriptions, seated and standing figures in boats, and circular star charts arranged in panels with red-dotted figures below.
Astronomical ceiling, Tomb of Senenmut (TT353), c. 1470 BCE, Deir el-Bahari, Theban Necropolis.

About this source

What it is

This is the hidden tomb of Senenmut, a high official who served Hatshepsut as chief steward. Built around 1470 BCE and decorated by his workshop, it contains the earliest known Egyptian astronomical ceiling, divided into panels showing the northern and southern skies with stars, boats, and figures. The tomb remains in place at Deir el-Bahari in the Theban Necropolis.

Why it matters

The scale and skill of this tomb show how wealthy and trusted Senenmut became under Hatshepsut's rule. Work on it began soon after she took power, and its decoration suggests he held his position for years into her reign. The astronomical ceiling also hints that Egyptian officials of this period studied the sky closely, perhaps for religious or calendar purposes.

Look closer

  • What does the richness of an official's tomb tell us about his relationship with the ruler?
  • Why might a steward's tomb include images of the stars rather than only of daily life?
  • What is left out of a tomb like this that we might want to know about Senenmut's actual work?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Hatshepsut on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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