Valley of the Kings | Luxor

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Egypt and serves as the burial ground for many of the country's most powerful pharaohs and high-ranking nobles. Located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, it was used as the royal necropolis for nearly 500 years, from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties (circa 1539–1075 BC). The valley is most famous for being the burial place of Tutankhamun, one of the most well-known pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history.

Historical Background

The Valley of the Kings was specifically chosen by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom for their royal tombs. It was believed that the valley’s remote location and the surrounding mountains would provide protection against tomb robbers.

The use of this valley for royal burials began during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose I in the 18th Dynasty (around 1539 BC).

Prior to the establishment of the Valley of the Kings, royal tombs were buried in mastabas and pyramids; however, the shift to rock-cut tombs in the valley marked a new period in Egypt’s burial practices.

The last tombs were used in the 20th Dynasty, and after that, the valley became increasingly neglected.

Tombs and Architecture

The Valley of the Kings contains 63 known tombs, many of which are elaborately decorated and contain intricate reliefs and paintings that tell the story of the deceased’s life and journey to the afterlife.

The tombs were cut into the limestone hills of the valley, often deep underground, with some tombs extending hundreds of feet into the rock.

The layout of each tomb is unique, with varying lengths, chambers, and corridors. Common features include:

A long descending corridor leading to the tomb chamber.

Decorations that depict scenes from the Book of the Dead, intended to guide the deceased in the afterlife.

Burial chambers where the pharaoh’s sarcophagus and treasures were placed.

Notable Tombs

Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62): This tomb is arguably the most famous in the Valley of the Kings, primarily due to its discovery in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter. Unlike many other tombs that had been looted in antiquity, Tutankhamun’s tomb was found largely intact, and it contained a wealth of artifacts, including the famous gold mask of the young king.

Tomb of Ramses II (KV7): One of the largest and most elaborate tombs in the valley, it belonged to Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, who reigned for 66 years and is remembered for his military campaigns and monumental building projects. The tomb is complex, with several corridors and chambers, though much of the decoration has deteriorated over time.

Tomb of Seti I (KV17): The tomb of Seti I, father of Ramses II, is considered one of the most beautiful in the valley due to its stunning wall reliefs, which are among the finest examples of Egyptian art. The tomb is large and contains a number of chambers filled with exquisite carvings and paintings.

Tomb of Thutmose III (KV34): Thutmose III was one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, and his tomb is considered one of the most significant in the valley. It contains vivid and detailed paintings that depict various scenes from the pharaoh’s life, including his military conquests and rituals.

The Discovery of the Tombs

The first royal tomb discovered in the valley was that of Thutmose I in 1820. However, the most significant and well-known discovery was that of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, by Howard Carter, which brought international attention to the Valley of the Kings.

Howard Carter’s discovery revealed a wealth of treasures, including statues, jewelry, and the famous gold mask, making it one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.

Tomb Decoration and Art

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are famous for their vivid wall paintings and reliefs, which depict scenes from the Book of the Dead and other funerary texts.

These artworks were meant to ensure that the pharaoh's soul would be successfully guided through the afterlife.

Themes often included gods and goddesses, such as Osiris, the god of the afterlife, as well as depictions of the deceased pharaoh engaging in important ritual acts.

Visiting the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is open to the public, and tourists can visit the tombs of some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including those of Ramses II, Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Thutmose III.

Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the tombs on their own, but due to the fragility of some of the tombs, certain areas may be off-limits or have restricted access.

Visitor Information:

Hours: The Valley of the Kings is typically open daily, with specific hours, which may vary depending on the season.

Tickets: Entrance fees vary depending on the tombs you wish to visit, with the tomb of Tutankhamun usually requiring an additional ticket.

Conservation Efforts

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are extremely vulnerable to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and tourist traffic, which can damage the ancient paintings and structures.

In recent years, efforts to preserve the tombs have included controlling visitor numbers, limiting exposure to light and air, and implementing climate-controlled environments in certain tombs.

Significance

The Valley of the Kings is a remarkable reflection of the power and wealth of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs.

It provides invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs regarding death and the afterlife, as well as showcasing the artistry and skill of ancient Egyptian craftsmen and artists.

Today, it stands as one of the most visited and researched archaeological sites in the world, a testament to the enduring legacy of Egypt’s ancient civilization.