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Valley of the Kings: Ancient Egypt's Pharaoh Burial Ground
Updated: Oct 28
The Valley of the Kings, situated on the picturesque west bank of the majestic Nile River near Luxor, stands as a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian civilization. This iconic archaeological site has intrigued historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike, offering a captivating glimpse into a bygone era filled with mysteries and treasures waiting to be discovered.
The Valley of the Kings is more than just a burial ground; it is a testament to the grandeur and complexity of ancient Egyptian civilization. From its origins in the Eighteenth Dynasty to its rediscovery and ongoing archaeological work, the valley continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world. Its history is a story of human ingenuity, devotion, and the enduring legacy of a civilization that continues to captivate our imagination.
In this post, we explore the incredible history of this site, including its rise to prominence, tomb robbing issues, its decline and re-discovery. There is so much to unpack here, so let's get to it!
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History of the Valley of the Kings
The selection of the Valley of the Kings as a burial ground was no mere coincidence. Its strategic location, hidden amidst natural barriers, provided the perfect security and seclusion needed for the final resting places of the pharaohs and nobles during the illustrious New Kingdom period, spanning from approximately 1539 to 1075 BCE. The valley's cliffs bore witness to the construction of elaborate tombs, each telling a unique story of the individuals interred within.
⪢ Origins and Purpose
The Valley of the Kings, known to the ancient Egyptians as the "Great Field," was chosen as a burial site during the Eighteenth Dynasty, primarily due to its remote location and natural security against grave robbers. The valley is divided into two branches: the East Valley, where most of the tombs are located, and the West Valley.
⪢ The Eighteenth Dynasty (1550–1292 BCE)
The inception of the Valley of the Kings coincided with the beginning of the Eighteenth Dynasty, marked by the reunification of Egypt under Ahmose I. Some of the most famous pharaohs of this dynasty were buried here, including:
● Thutmose I: Often credited with commissioning the first royal tomb in the valley. His tomb set the standard for future burials.
● Hatshepsut: The powerful female pharaoh who built a splendid mortuary temple nearby at Deir el-Bahri.
● Amenhotep III: Known for his opulent reign, his tomb reflects the grandeur of his time.
⪢ The Nineteenth Dynasty (1292–1189 BCE)
This period saw the continuation of royal burials in the Valley of the Kings, with famous rulers such as:
● Seti I: His tomb (KV17) is one of the longest and most beautifully decorated in the valley.
● Ramses II: Also known as Ramses the Great, his tomb (KV7) was originally one of the most magnificent, though it suffered significant damage over time.
⪢ The Twentieth Dynasty (1189–1077 BCE)
The Twentieth Dynasty was a period of declining power, yet some notable tombs were constructed:
● Ramses III: His tomb (KV11) is one of the largest and most elaborately decorated, featuring detailed carvings and texts from the Book of the Dead.
● Ramses VI: His tomb (KV9) is well-known for its complex decorations and astronomical ceiling.
⪢ Decline and Rediscovery
After the end of the New Kingdom, the Valley of the Kings fell into disuse and was eventually forgotten. The tombs were plundered over the centuries, and by the time of the Greek and Roman periods, their exact locations were lost.
The modern rediscovery of the valley began in the 18th and 19th centuries with European explorers and Egyptologists such as Giovanni Battista Belzoni and Jean-François Champollion. Their work laid the foundation for systematic archaeological exploration.
Controversies with Tomb Robbing
Despite the meticulous efforts to safeguard the tombs, the Valley of the Kings was not immune to the greed and cunning of ancient tomb robbers. The tales of looting and pillaging echo through the corridors of time, with some tombs falling victim to the relentless pursuit of treasures and artifacts. The discovery of Tutankhamun's nearly intact tomb by Howard Carter in 1922 unveiled a treasure trove that mesmerized the world and shed light on the opulence of ancient Egyptian royalty.
The Discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb
The most significant discovery in the Valley of the Kings occurred in 1922, when British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62). The tomb was virtually intact, containing a wealth of artifacts that provided unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian culture and burial practices. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb captivated the world and renewed interest in Egyptology.
Modern Archaeological Work and Excavations
Since the 18th century, dedicated archaeologists have embarked on numerous excavations within the Valley of the Kings, unearthing new tombs and artifacts that provide invaluable insights into the burial customs and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. The integration of cutting-edge technologies like ground-penetrating radar and 3D scanning has revolutionized the exploration of the valley, allowing researchers to map its intricate layout and identify potential undiscovered tombs that hold the promise of revealing further secrets of the past.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Valley of the Kings has been the site of numerous projects, focusing on excavation, preservation, and study of the tombs and their contents. Notable projects include:
● The Theban Mapping Project: Led by Dr. Kent Weeks, this project has created detailed maps and documentation of the valley's tombs.
● Conservation and Restoration: Ongoing work to preserve the delicate wall paintings and stabilize the tomb structures.
Significance and Legacy
The Valley of the Kings remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It offers a unique glimpse into the burial practices, religious beliefs, and daily life of the New Kingdom period. The artifacts and tombs continue to be studied, revealing new information about ancient Egyptian civilization.
The allure of the Valley of the Kings endures, drawing inquisitive minds and curious souls to unravel its enigmatic past. As each discovery unfolds, the valley continues to invite us to delve deeper into the legacy of a civilization that continues to captivate and inspire us to this day.
Visiting the Valley Today
Today, the Valley of the Kings is a popular tourist destination, managed by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Visitors can explore several tombs, including those of Ramses IV, Ramses VI, and Tutankhamun, experiencing firsthand the grandeur of ancient Egyptian funerary art. Each year, the Valley of the Kings attracts a substantial number of visitors, ranging from 500,000 to over a million annually!
Popular Tombs to Visit
These are the tombs we visited while at the Valley of the Kings, choosing the most popular based on condition and visitor numbers, according to our local guide. We only had time for four spots, but know that this list is by no means exhaustive! We would certainly like to return to explore more of the tombs here. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to add them in the comments section at the end of this post!
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