Already known for his earlier works on tomb-shafts, function of enshrined statuettes, and
scenes of kings and gods in New-Kingdom royal tombs, Dr Abitz here considers the rich
decoration of the tombs of the sons of Ramesses III in the royal valleys, and Ramesses III's role in that decoration.
This work is in four main parts. In the first, Abitz gives a very precise description of the
decoration in each tomb, with excellent key-plans, of tombs QV 44 (Khaemwase), 55
(Amenhirkhopshef), 53 (Ramesses), 43 (Sethirkhopshef), 42 (Prehirwonmef), and KV 3 (name lost). In the second part, Abitz then studies the role of Ramesses III in these tombs, that of the princes themselves (vastly more modest than the king's role), linked with the Sons of Horus, and that of the various gods. In the third part, he makes summary comparisons between the decoration of these tombs, that of Queen Tyti (QV 52), and that of Ramesses III (KV I I). From this detail, he draws the following conclusions:
(1) The princely tombs were constructed for real sons of Ramesses III in their and his lifetimes.
(2) The princes were here identified with the Sons of Horus.
(3) No chronological sequence can be established for the order of construction of these
tombs.
(4) The king is more important in these tombs than are his sons; much of the decoration is
drawn from that found in the king's own tomb.