Reproduction of a tomb painting from the Dynasty 5 Mastaba of Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum.

On the western wall of the outer hall of their tomb is a striking portrayal of the two men in close embrace, their noses touching in a pose that is the most intimate allowed in Egyptian art. This has led many to speculate on the relationship of the two men; were they brothers? Twins? Lovers? If the latter were true, they would be the first same-sex couple recorded in history.