The Amuduat in the Tomb of Tuthmose III

     The Book of the Amduat makes its first appearance in the early Eighteenth Dynasty painted onto the walls of royal burial chambers. The paintings look (intentionally I am sure) as if they are actually painted onto a papyrus scroll.

     The scene to the left is from the Seventh Hour of the text and shows the enemies of Osiris (and Tuthmose III, in whose tomb this painting can be found) being punished via decapitation. To the left of this scene, the seated god Osiris (protected by a Mehen serpent) acts as the judge of the dead and oversees the execution of those who are his enemies.

     The presence of Osiris in this scene is designed to emphasize the fact that Osiris is now actively supporting Ra's trip through this dangerous portion of the underworld.