The waning of the Ramesside kings’ power becomes increasingly evident with the reign of Ramesse VI (1145 – 1139 BC). As evidenced by this document, which reports events dated to the first year of his reign, the workers of Deir el-Medina periodically ceased to work in the royal tomb (KV 9), due to the presence of rebels or enemies. These may have been groups of Lybian raiders, whose presence in the Theban region was becoming more and more threatening, as another papyrus from the reign of Ramesses IX, also on display in this room, bears out.
Year 1, first month of the season of the Emergence, day 13. Off work, because of the enemy. There came the two Chiefs of Medjay-police, saying: “The people who are hostile have come; they have reached Per-Nebyt.” Mennufermhab gave birth overnight. “They destroyed all that was there, and burnt its people” – so they say.
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Year 1, first month of the season of the Emergence, day … There came the Chief of the Medjay-police, Montunose; he spoke to the captains of the Tomb on this day, saying: “Do not go up (to the King’s Valley) until you see what’s happening. I will go along and look out for you. I will hear what is reported, and it will be me who will come to tell you, “Go up”!”
