The royal pet burial ground of KV50

Located in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt, Tomb KV50 was discovered in 1906 by Edward R. Ayrton excavating on behalf of Theodore M. Davis. It is located on a rocky promontory in the side valley leading towards KV35, situated at a slightly higher level and to the west of KV49. The tomb was the first of a cluster of three discovered by Ayrton in this part of the valley.

The entrance to the tomb was buried under 6 feet (1.8 m) of debris. Inside is a shaft 12 feet (3.7 m) deep and 4 feet (1.2 m) square, which opens south onto a chamber 19 feet (5.8 m) long and 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) wide. While the tomb was thoroughly robbed in antiquity, wooden fragments suggest it likely once held a coffin. No trace of the owner's name was found.

Tomb KV50 forms a group known as the Animal Tombs along with KV51 and KV52. These tombs seem to have formed a burial ground for royal pets. The only occupants found in the chamber were two animal mummies posed against one wall - a large dog, quite perfect although stripped of its wrappings, and a monkey still partially wrapped. The tomb is probably associated with the nearby tomb of Amenhotep II (KV35).

In winter 2009-2010, a team led by Zahi Hawass and Ahmed el-Leithy excavated this area to relocate KV50, KV51, KV52, and KV53. This work revealed Eighteenth Dynasty pottery, tools, and ostraca. The ostraca included figured examples such as a sketch of a seated queen presenting an offering, depictions of sexual scenes with women and animals, and cartouches of Ramesses II.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons