Robb dePeyster Tytus

The Berkshire Eagle (Bernard A. Drew)

It is difficult to know quite how to categorize this story. It concerns the Egyptologist Robb dePeyster Tytus (1875-1913), who settled in a house in Berkshire (UK). It provides a potted biography of Tytus and describes some of his work in Egypt. Mainly, it seems to be a celebration of a local character.

Robb dePeyster Tytus (1875-1913) was born in Asheville, N.C., prepared at St. Mark's School in Southboro and entered Yale, from which he earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1897. "For six years he was in the employ of the Egyptian government, was successful in his researches and his writings and lectures on the subject of ancient Egypt were considered an authority," according to one obituary notice. Another account said his work for Egypt included "exploring tombs in the ancient town of Thebes, now Luxor, 450 miles from Cairo."

Material in the Berkshire Eagle archive further explains Tytus's archaeological work: Luxor "was the first palace excavated in which was revealed the construction, architecture and general design of the building. He also brought to light for the first time the beautiful decorations of the walls, ceilings and panels of the palace. He obtained an excellent idea of the private life of the king of Thebes and his household in 1350 B.C. The ruler at that time was Amenhetep — the third king of Egypt, who was at the height of his power... In this ancient palace of King Amenhetep, Mr. Tytus found the oldest bathrooms in the world.

See the above page for the full story.