The Many Mysteries of Maya: On the Trail of Tutankhamun’s Valued Courtier–Part I

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Collection of Egyptian Art, design by Anand Balaji (Photo credits: Rob Koopman and Heidi Kontkanen); Deriv.

The Many Mysteries of Maya: On the Trail of Tutankhamun’s Valued Courtier–Part I

The Amarna Period brought to fore many interesting personages, especially from the ruling disposition. While éminence grise Aye and the generalissimo Horemheb became pharaohs after the death of Tutankhamun, the last scion of the Sun Family; it was Maya, a nobleman, who played a pivotal role during the twilight years of the Eighteenth Dynasty by honoring crown and country through the vital posts he held. An old hand, he knew well how to play his cards to remain in favor in the New Kingdom royal court.

No cost was spared in fashioning a sumptuous resting place for Maya and his wife Merit. The couple adores Osiris and Nephthys in this stunning gold painted relief in their Memphite tomb.

No cost was spared in fashioning a sumptuous resting place for Maya and his wife Merit. The couple adores Osiris and Nephthys in this stunning gold painted relief in their Memphite tomb.

MAY AND MAYA: A QUESTION OF IDENTITY

Maya was one of the elite, the third most powerful man in Egypt after the King and the Vizier; and as the Treasurer and Overseer of the Place of Eternity (Royal Necropolis), he served successive pharaohs: Tutankhamun, Aye and Horemheb. However, speculation abounds that he began his career during the reign of Amenhotep III. This assumption is based on the tenuous possibility that he may be the namesake royal scribe attested in Malqata in Regnal Year 34 of Nebmaatre. Therefore, a section of Egyptologists argue that Maya most certainly functioned under Akhenaten as well.


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