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Ramses IV's Tomb KV2: Is this the best tomb in the Valley of the Kings?
Updated: Jun 17
Have you ever heard of Ramses IV? This pharaoh, who ruled for a short but impactful period in the 12th century BCE, is shrouded in a bit of mystery. In this blog post, we'll delve into his fascinating story, from his rise to power amidst rumors of a palace conspiracy to his building projects and unfinished tomb. We also share our photo highlights from the tomb itself, which in our opinion is one of the most impressive of all in the Valley of the Kings.
We will also touch on the legacy he left behind, including the Papyrus Harris I, a document that sheds light on his father's reign. That and the power struggles of the time, which lead to the gradual decline of the 20th Dynasty. But Ramses IV's story isn't all history lessons! You will also find some fun facts, like his possible love for music and the reuse of his father's bling, along with important things to know before you visit including opening times and ticket prices. So, buckle up and get ready to journey back to ancient Egypt and discover the life and times of Ramses IV!
Table of Contents
● A Short Reign, A Lasting Legacy: The Story of Ramses IV
● The history of the Valley of the Kings
● 10 interesting facts about Ramses IV
● Tips for visiting the tomb of Ramses IV & the Valley of the Kings
● Ramses IV's Tomb opening times & best time to visit
● Getting tickets for Ramses IV's Tomb
● How to get to Ramses IV's Tomb
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A Short Reign, A Lasting Legacy: The Story of Ramses IV
Ramses IV, a pharaoh of the 20th Dynasty, ruled Egypt for a brief but impactful period during the 12th century BCE. Despite the shortness of his reign, his legacy continues to hold significance in our understanding of this era.
⪢ Ascending the Throne: A Shadow of Conspiracy
Details about Ramses IV's early life are scarce. He likely ascended the throne after a period of instability, possibly in his forties. Some sources suggest he navigated a "harem conspiracy" aimed at derailing his claim to the throne. The pharaoh before him, Ramses III, faced a dramatic coup attempt orchestrated by his secondary wife and a court official. Their goal was to assassinate the pharaoh and place their chosen heir, Pentawer, on the throne. Despite the success of the assassination, the plot unraveled, and Ramses IV, the designated successor, secured the throne. This "harem conspiracy" casts a long shadow over Ramses IV's rise to power, highlighting the fractures within the royal court during this period.
⪢ Preserving the Past, Building for the Future
One of Ramses IV's significant contributions was the Papyrus Harris I. This document, commissioned by the pharaoh, chronicles the reign of his father, Ramses III, offering valuable insights into the political and economic landscape of the time.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining Egypt's grandeur, Ramses IV embarked on a building program. He continued projects initiated by his father, like the Temple of Khonsu at Karnak. He also ordered expeditions to quarries and erected a temple at Asasif.
⪢ Papyrus Harris I: A Pharaoh's Chronicle
The Papyrus Harris I is a true gem for Egyptologists, offering a wealth of information about ancient Egypt during the 20th Dynasty. This papyrus holds the title of the longest known papyrus scroll from Egypt, stretching an impressive 41 meters! Imagine a grocery receipt that long, filled with hieroglyphs!
The papyrus is written in hieratic, a cursive form of hieroglyphs used for everyday writing. The content focuses on the reign of Ramses IV's father, Ramses III. The papyrus meticulously details Ramses III's military campaigns, religious festivals, and most importantly, his vast donations to temples across Egypt. This provides invaluable insights into the economic and political landscape of the time.
By commissioning this document, Ramses IV ensured his father's achievements were documented for posterity. It serves as a crucial piece of evidence for understanding this period in Egyptian history. It was discovered in a tomb near Medinet Habu and eventually purchased by a collector in the 19th century. Today, it resides in the British Museum, where scholars continue to study its secrets.
⪢ Limited Military Campaigns, Growing Internal Challenges
Ramses IV's reign seems to have witnessed minimal military activity. Egypt's grip on foreign territories likely continued to loosen during this period. Internally, the rise of the High Priest of Amun, Ramsesnakht, suggests a growing power struggle between the pharaoh and the clergy.
⪢ A King's Resting Place and a Dynasty's Decline
After a reign of approximately six years, Ramses IV passed away. His tomb, KV2, in the Valley of the Kings, remained unfinished at the time of his death. Interestingly, his body was later moved to a royal cache for better protection. Ramses IV was succeeded by his son, Ramses V, but the dynasty's power continued to wane in the face of internal struggles and external threats. Ramses IV's reign, though brief, serves as a window into a complex period in Egyptian history. His efforts to preserve the past and maintain stability offer valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the 20th Dynasty.
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The history of the Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile River near the ancient city of Thebes (modern-day Luxor), is one of Egypt's most iconic archaeological sites. It served as the burial place for many pharaohs and high-ranking nobles of the New Kingdom period (circa 1550–1070 BCE), a time of great prosperity and monumental construction in ancient Egypt.
The valley was chosen as a burial site due to its secluded and desolate location, hidden amidst rugged cliffs and mountains, which provided a natural defense against tomb robbers. The first pharaoh to be buried in the Valley of the Kings was Thutmose I, of the 18th dynasty, although earlier rulers were interred in tombs in nearby areas.
The tombs constructed in the Valley of the Kings are renowned for their elaborate architecture and richly decorated interiors, featuring intricate reliefs, hieroglyphs, and scenes depicting the journey of the deceased through the afterlife. The most famous tomb in the valley is that of Tutankhamun (KV62), discovered nearly intact by Howard Carter in 1922. Tutankhamun's tomb contained a wealth of treasures, including his iconic golden death mask, which captured the world's imagination and sparked renewed interest in ancient Egypt.
Over the centuries, the Valley of the Kings was the final resting place for numerous pharaohs, queens, and members of the royal family, including Seti I, Ramesses II, and Hatshepsut. Despite the valley's remote location and efforts to safeguard the tombs, many of them were eventually plundered by tomb robbers in antiquity.
Today, the Valley of the Kings remains an important archaeological site and a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its ancient wonders and glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian royalty. Ongoing excavations and research continue to shed new light on the history and significance of this remarkable necropolis, offering insights into the beliefs, customs, and achievements of one of the world's most enduring civilizations.
10 interesting facts about Ramses IV
You're absolutely right, some of those facts did tread close to summarizing his history. Here are 10 new interesting facts about Ramses IV that focus on unique details:
1. Royal Nicknames: Ramses IV had several throne names, including "Strong Bull" and "Appearing of Ra". These titles reflected his desired image as a powerful and divinely chosen ruler.
2. Musical Pharaoh: Evidence suggests a love for music during his reign. Harpists and singers are depicted in his tomb, hinting at a vibrant musical culture in the royal court.
3. Borrowed Beauty: Ramses IV's mummy, when discovered, was adorned with jewelry originally belonging to his father, Ramses III. This recycling of pharaonic bling might have been due to time constraints or a desire to connect himself to his father's legacy.
4. Mummy on the Move: As mentioned earlier, Ramses IV's body wasn't left undisturbed. It was later moved to a royal cache, possibly during the 21st Dynasty, for better protection from tomb robbers.
5. A Royal Game of Reuse: Some building blocks used in Ramses IV's temple at Asasif were actually recycled from earlier structures. This practice highlights the Egyptians' resourcefulness and respect for their past.
6. Hidden Messages: Decorations in his tomb depict scenes of him smiting enemies. These might be symbolic representations of overcoming challenges during his reign, not necessarily literal battles.
7. The Power of Reused Names: Interestingly, the name "Ramses" wasn't exclusive to this dynasty. Later pharaohs, seeking to connect themselves to the glory of the past, adopted the name as well.
8. A Well-Traveled Papyrus: The Papyrus Harris I, commissioned by Ramses IV, eventually ended up in the hands of a British collector in the 19th century. Today, it resides at the British Museum in London.
9. A Glimpse into the Afterlife: Wall decorations in his tomb depict scenes from the "Book of the Dead," an ancient Egyptian text guiding the deceased through the afterlife.
10. Modern Inspiration: The dramatic story of the "harem conspiracy" during the reign of Ramses III, which indirectly led to Ramses IV's rise to power, has inspired fictional works like movies and novels.
Tips for visiting the tomb of Ramses IV & the Valley of the Kings
Here are some additional tips to know before visiting the Ramses IV's tomb:
⪢ Dress Code: Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This is respectful of the local culture and protects you from the sun.
⪢ Sun Protection: The Egyptian sun can be intense, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
⪢ Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the hot summer months. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently.
⪢ Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are essential as there are steps and uneven terrain within the tomb complex.
⪢ Photography: While photography with mobile phones is generally allowed, professional photography equipment might require permits in Egypt. Check with the authorities beforehand. The use of drones are not permitted.
⪢ Guides: Consider hiring a local guide, or taking a tour, for a more in-depth understanding of the tomb's history and significance. They can offer insights that enrich your experience.
⪢ Respect the Site: Ramses IV's Tomb is a sacred place for many Egyptians. Be mindful of your behavior and avoid climbing on structures, touching walls or causing any damage.
⪢ Bargaining: If you encounter vendors selling souvenirs or other items, be prepared to bargain for fair prices. This is a common practice in local markets.
⪢ Currency: Carry Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for entrance fees, purchases, and tipping. ATMs are available in Luxor city.
Ramses IV's Tomb opening times & best time to visit
⪢ Opening times for the Ramses IV's Tomb
The opening times for the tomb of Ramses IV is the same as the Valley of the Kings as a whole, which depends on the season:
● Summer (May - October): from 6am to 6pm
● Winter (November - April): from 6am to 5pm
● Ramadan: from 6am to 5pm
⪢ Best time to visit Ramses IV's Tomb
Summer in Egypt typically lasts from May to October. It's the hottest period, with average temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) and sometimes soaring as high as 40°C (104°F) in some areas. Winter falls between November and April. Winters are generally mild, with average minimum temperatures around 14°C (57°F), although nights can get cooler, especially in the desert regions.
It's important to note that Egypt has an arid desert climate, so even in winter, days are usually sunny and warm. However, the significant difference lies in the peak summer heat, which can be quite intense for some travelers.
● For Pleasant Weather: Shoulder Seasons (March-April & October-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures, with average highs ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This makes sightseeing and exploring much more enjoyable without the scorching summer heat.
● Avoiding Crowds: Regardless of the season, arriving at Ramses IV's Tomb early in the morning allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
● Less Popular Months: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or even the winter months (November-February) if you prefer minimal crowds. While the weather might be cooler, it's still generally pleasant for sightseeing.
Getting tickets for Ramses IV's Tomb
You can buy tickets directly at the ticket windows located at the entrance of the Valley of the Kings. This is the most common option, but be aware that ticket windows close at 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. There is no direct website for booking online at this time.
⪢ Foreigners
● Adults: EGP 200 ($4.27 USD / $5.82 CAD / £3.37 GBP)
● Student: EGP 100 ($2.14 USD / $2.91 CAD / £1.69 GBP)
● Children under 12 years: FREE
You'll need to purchase a separate ticket for the optional electric car ride to the entrance of the Valley of the Kings. This costs around LE 40 (Egyptian Pounds) per person.
** Prices are correct at time of writing (May 2024).
One of the best ways to visit the Valley of the Kings is by taking a tour. We highly recommend using Klook, who have been operating tours for several years in Egypt using only highly trained, licenced operators who take care of all ticket entries, along with helping you to avoid the hawks. They will organise transport, give you great history and background and even organise lunch too. Check out our tour from Hurghada to Luxor and see what you think!
How to get to Ramses IV's Tomb
Ramses IV's Tomb is situated within the Valley of the Kings, also known as Biban el-Muluk. This location is on the west bank of the Nile river, opposite the city of Luxor.
If you're strict on your travel time in Egypt, we highly recommend booking your Egypt transportation online ahead of time. 12go.asia is a booking site we have used, and have found some great deals on buses, ferries, trains and even flights!
⪢ Taxi / Uber
Taxis are readily available in Luxor and can be a convenient way to get directly to the Valley of the Kings. Agree on the fare beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings. Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem operate in Luxor and might offer a more cost-effective option compared to taxis.
⪢ Local Bus
Public buses are a budget-friendly option, but keep in mind that schedules and routes might be less frequent or direct compared to taxis or ride-sharing.
⪢ Day Trip Tours
Many travel agencies in Luxor offer organized day trips to the Valley of the Kings, which often include transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes even a guided tour. This can be a convenient option if you prefer a hassle-free experience.
⪢ Car Rental
Renting a car in Luxor gives you flexibility, but make sure you factor in parking fees and potential traffic conditions near the Valley of the Kings. Foreign drivers must have an International Driving Permit available on request.
Address: PJR2+HWR, Kings Valley Rd, Qena Desert, The New Valley Governorate 1413101, Egypt
Website: egymonuments.gov.eg
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Our Ramses IV's Tomb experience rating
Of all of the tombs we checked out on our epic tour of the Valley of the Kings, we have to say that Ramses IV's, whilst 'unfinished', was perhaps the most impressive. This tomb is remarkably well preserved and highly elaborate, with many of the colors still very vibrant and striking.
There was so much to look at here, and it is well covered from floor-to-ceiling, unlike some of the other tombs. The sarcophagus itself is magnificent, and is also full of intricate fine detail. Despite being fairly overcrowded (like most of the tombs here), this more than any other really captured the magic of ancient Egyptian life for us. We highly recommend KV2!
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