Valley of the Kings
Al Uqşur
The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor (ancient Thebes), served as the burial ground for most pharaohs of Egypt's New Kingdom (circa 1550–1069 BCE). This secluded desert valley contains more than sixty tombs, including those of powerful rulers from the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth Dynasties, along with tombs of high-ranking nobles and royal family members. The valley was carefully chosen for its western Nile bank location, symbolizing the sun god's daily death and rebirth, and its natural pyramid-shaped cliffs, which were associated with resurrection and eternal life. The area was under the protection of the goddess Hathor, known as the "Lady of the West." The tombs are carved underground to protect them from looting, a fate that befell earlier royal burial sites such as the pyramids. The first confirmed burial in the valley was Pharaoh Thutmose I. Today, the Valley of the Kings remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to explore its richly decorated tombs and learn about ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
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Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Purchase tickets in advance when possible, especially for access to popular tombs. Discounts are available for students and Egyptian nationals. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the site involves walking in a desert environment. Guided tours enhance understanding of the tombs' history and artwork.
Interesting facts
- •The valley contains over 60 tombs, including those of famous pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.
- •The natural pyramid-shaped cliffs surrounding the valley symbolized resurrection and eternal life to the ancient Egyptians.
- •The valley was chosen because the west bank of the Nile represented the land of the dead, linked to the sun god's nightly journey.
- •Despite efforts to protect tombs underground, many were looted in ancient times, including the tomb of Tutankhamun which was famously rediscovered nearly intact.
- •The goddess Hathor, known as the 'Lady of the West,' was believed to protect the valley and its buried kings.
History
The Valley of the Kings was established as a royal burial site during Egypt's New Kingdom period, starting around 1550 BCE.
Its first confirmed royal tomb was that of Thutmose I.
The site was chosen for its symbolic western location and natural features associated with rebirth.
Over time, more than sixty tombs were constructed for pharaohs and nobles, designed to protect the deceased from tomb robbers.
Despite these efforts, many tombs were looted in antiquity.
The valley's use declined after the New Kingdom, and it was largely abandoned as a burial site.
Rediscovered in modern times, it has become a focal point for Egyptology and tourism.
Place Guide
Tomb of Tutankhamun1332–1323 BCE
The tomb of the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun is one of the most famous in the valley, renowned for its rich decorations and the discovery of the nearly intact burial treasures by Howard Carter in 1922.
Tomb of Ramses II1279–1213 BCE
One of the largest and most elaborately decorated tombs, belonging to Ramses II, a powerful New Kingdom pharaoh known for his military campaigns and monumental building projects.
Valley Entrance and Surrounding Cliffs
The valley is enclosed by steep cliffs with a distinctive pyramid-shaped peak, symbolizing rebirth and protection, and was sacred to the goddess Hathor.
