Valley of the Kings: An Ancient Wonder to Explore on Your Egypt Trip
Egypt Solar Eclipse Tour 2027 invites you to embark on a journey through time to one of the richest, historical, marvelous catacombs in both the new and old world at Memphis, Luxor: The valley of the Kings. This monumental catacomb which for approximately five centuries is the resting place of Egyptian kings from the Twentieth Dynasty to the Eighteenth Dynasty.
Where is the Valley of Kings?
Nestled on the Nile’s west bank, across from modern-day Luxor (ancient Thebes), lies the legendary Valley of the Kings, a central jewel within the Theban Necropolis. This arid valley divides into two main branches: the East Valley, the final resting place for most pharaohs, and the West Valley, also known as the mysterious Valley of the Monkeys.
Prepare to be amazed by the Valley of the Kings, 65 discovered tombs and chambers, each a unique testament to ancient Egyptian burial customs. From the simple pit of KV54 to the sprawling, 120+ chamber labyrinth of KV5, built for the sons of Ramesses II, the valley offers an unparalleled glimpse into the afterlife beliefs of the New Kingdom. These tombs, the final resting places for prominent royals and select nobles, are adorned with intricate scenes from Egyptian mythology, revealing their profound beliefs. Though time and ancient looters have left their mark, these tombs still echo the grandeur and authority of Egypt’s mighty pharaohs.
Serving as the primary resting place for prominent royal figures of the New Kingdom era and select nobles, these tombs are adorned with intricate scenes depicting Egyptian mythology, shedding light on the beliefs and customs surrounding the afterlife. Despite the apparent signs of looting in antiquity, these tombs still stand as testaments to the grandeur and authority of Egypt’s pharaohs.
What Makes the Valley of THE Kings Tombs So Special?
The architecture of these royal tombs typically followed a distinct pattern: a long, rock-cut corridor descending through one or more halls, symbolically mirroring the sun god’s journey into the underworld each night. Early tombs featured corridors with sharp 90-degree turns, leading to burial chambers shaped like cartouches – a design known as the “Bent Axis.” After the pharaoh’s burial, the upper corridors were intentionally filled with rubble to conceal the tomb’s entrance.
Following the Amarna Period, the tomb layout evolved into an intermediate “Jogged Axis” before settling into a more linear “Straight Axis” in the tombs of the late Nineteenth and Twentieth Dynasties, such as those of Ramesses III and Ramesses IX. Simultaneously, the steepness of the corridors gradually decreased, almost disappearing entirely by the late Twentieth Dynasty. Additionally, most tombs featured a “well,” initially a practical measure to prevent flooding, but later imbued with symbolic meaning as a magical shaft. Intriguingly, in some later Twentieth Dynasty tombs, the well itself remained unexcavated, while the well room was still constructed.
Concurrently, the steep slopes of the corridors gradually diminished, nearly disappearing by the late Twentieth Dynasty. Additionally, a common feature found in most tombs is the presence of a “well,” initially serving a practical purpose to prevent flooding but later taking on a symbolic significance as a magical shaft. In some cases, during the later Twentieth Dynasty, the well itself was left unexcavated by builders, yet the well room remained intact.
Most royal tombs boasted elaborate decorations featuring religious texts and vibrant imagery. Initially, these decorations depicted scenes from the Amduat, detailing the sun god’s twelve-hour nocturnal voyage. Later, starting with the reign of Horemheb, the tombs showcased the Book of Gates, illustrating the sun god’s passage through twelve gates representing the night, ensuring the safe journey of the tomb’s occupant. These earlier tombs were typically adorned more modestly, while non-royal tombs often lacked any decoration altogether.
In the later Nineteenth Dynasty, the Book of Caverns, which depicted the underworld as vast caverns inhabited by deities awaiting the sun’s renewal, found its place in the upper sections of the tombs. A complete example can be seen in the tomb of Ramesses VI. The burial of Ramesses III introduced the Book of the Earth, portraying the underworld divided into four regions, culminating in the sun disc’s emergence from the earth by the goddess Naunet.
Ceiling decorations within the burial chambers, beginning with the reign of Seti I, featured what became known as the Book of the Heavens, once again chronicling the sun’s nightly journey. Concurrently, during Seti I’s reign, the Litany of Re emerged, a lengthy hymn honoring the sun god.
Famous Pharaohs Resting in the Valley of Kings
The Valley of the Kings is the final resting place for about 65 pharaohs and nobles discovered so far. While each tomb holds its own unique beauty and historical significance, some stand out as particularly remarkable.
Tutankhamun
Despite being the smallest and least decorated royal tomb, Tutankhamun’s tomb holds unparalleled significance. It remains the only royal burial site in the Valley of the Kings discovered nearly intact. Inside, archaeologists unearthed an astonishing 5,398 artifacts, including the iconic solid gold coffin and face mask, thrones, archery bows, trumpets, and everyday items. Recent analysis of a dagger found in the tomb revealed its blade was crafted from meteoric iron, showcasing advanced metalworking techniques of the time.
Thutmose III
Often called Thutmose the Great, this remarkable pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty ascended the throne at just two years old and ruled until his death at fifty-six. For the first 22 years of his reign, he shared power with his stepmother and aunt, Hatshepsut. Thutmose III was a brilliant military strategist and is celebrated as Egypt’s foremost warrior pharaoh, expanding Egypt’s empire to its greatest extent. His numerous military campaigns are detailed in the Annals of Thutmose III. Notably, he also pioneered the ancient Egyptian navy. However, Thutmose III is also known for his complex relationship with Hatshepsut, later erasing her name from her temples, possibly to secure his line of succession or for reasons still debated by historians.
Ramses II
Ramesses II, born around 1303 BC and passing away in 1213 BC, is famously known as Ramesses the Great. He ruled as an Egyptian pharaoh during the Nineteenth Dynasty, marking one of the most significant periods in ancient Egypt’s history. Alongside Thutmose III, another renowned ruler of the Eighteenth Dynasty, Ramesses II is celebrated as one of the most exceptional and powerful pharaohs of the New Kingdom era. His reign was characterized by numerous victorious military campaigns, totaling at least 15, although the Battle of Kadesh is often viewed as a stalemate.
Seti I
Seti I’s tomb is widely regarded as the most stunning and elaborately decorated tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Its corridors and chambers are adorned with intricate high and low reliefs showcasing exceptional artistry. The grand burial chamber is particularly impressive, featuring vibrant wall scenes and a breathtaking astronomical depiction on its vaulted ceiling. Seti I’s tomb holds the distinction of being the first royal tomb to feature a burial chamber with a vaulted ceiling. Adding to its mystery, a passage begins from the burial chamber floor, descending further into the earth, symbolically linking Seti I to the ancient forces of renewal within the underworld.
