Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62)
Al Uqşur
The Tomb of Tutankhamun, designated KV62, is located in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt. Discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, it is renowned for being one of the most intact and richly furnished royal tombs from ancient Egypt's New Kingdom period. The tomb belonged to Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who ruled during the 18th Dynasty but died young. Its discovery provided unparalleled insight into Egyptian burial practices and royal artifacts, including the famous gold funerary mask. The tomb's architecture is relatively modest compared to other royal tombs but contains several chambers filled with treasures intended to accompany the king into the afterlife. The site is part of the Theban Necropolis on Luxor's West Bank, an area considered an open-air museum of ancient Egyptian civilization. The tomb's significance lies not only in its contents but also in its contribution to Egyptology and the understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and religion. Today, it attracts millions of visitors worldwide, eager to glimpse the legacy of one of Egypt's most enigmatic pharaohs.
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Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Booking tickets in advance is recommended due to the tomb's popularity and limited daily visitor numbers. Consider purchasing combined tickets for the Valley of the Kings to explore multiple tombs. Note that photography inside the tomb is generally prohibited to preserve the artifacts. Guided tours are available and can enrich the experience with detailed historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The tomb was found almost intact, unlike most other tombs in the Valley of the Kings which were looted.
- •Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb in 1922 is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
- •The famous gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun is one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt.
- •The tomb consists of four main chambers: the antechamber, annex, burial chamber, and treasury.
- •Despite Tutankhamun's short reign, his tomb contained over 5,000 artifacts.
- •The tomb's discovery greatly increased global interest in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology.
History
The tomb was constructed circa 1323 BCE during the reign of Tutankhamun, a young pharaoh of Egypt's 18th Dynasty.
It remained hidden and largely undisturbed until British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered it in 1922.
The tomb's contents were remarkably preserved, offering a rare glimpse into New Kingdom funerary customs.
Over the centuries, the Valley of the Kings served as the burial ground for many pharaohs and nobles, but most tombs were looted in antiquity.
Tutankhamun's tomb is exceptional due to its intact state and the wealth of artifacts found within.
Its discovery sparked worldwide interest in Egyptology and ancient Egyptian culture.
Place Guide
Antechamber14th century BCE
The first chamber visitors enter, containing many everyday items and treasures meant for the afterlife, including chariots, beds, and statues.
Burial Chamber14th century BCE
The main chamber housing the sarcophagus and the famous gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun. It is the most sacred part of the tomb.
Treasury14th century BCE
A small room containing storage jars and ritual objects associated with the king's burial.
