Discover the Valley of Queens: Egypt’s Hidden Royal Tombs
Embark on a captivating journey through time in the Valley of Queens, the sacred resting place for ancient Egypt’s queens, princesses, and princes. Known in ancient times as Ta-Set-Neferu, meaning “The Place of Beauty” or “The Place of the Royal Children,” this valley offers a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of Egypt’s royal women and their offspring.
Unveiling Secrets of the Valley of Queens: Beyond Nefertari
While the Valley of Kings often steals the spotlight, the Valley of the Queens holds its own unique allure. Explore Ta-Set-Neferu, “The Place of Beauty” or “The Place of the Royal Children,” the ancient necropolis dedicated to Egypt’s esteemed queens, princesses, and princes. Discover the stories etched within its sub-valleys – the Valley of Prince Ahmose, the intriguing Valley of the Rope, the mysterious Valley of the Three Pits, and the ancient path of the Valley of the Dolmen. Within the main wadi, 91 tombs await discovery, with an additional 19 nestled in the surrounding valleys, most dating back to the illustrious 18th Dynasty.
Why Was the Valley of the Queens Chosen?
The exact reasons for choosing this specific location as a royal burial ground remain a subject of scholarly discussion. Its proximity to Deir al-Medina, the village of the artisans who crafted these very tombs, and its closeness to the famed Valley of the Kings likely played significant roles. Furthermore, the presence of a sacred grotto dedicated to the goddess Hathor near the valley’s entrance suggests a spiritual connection, possibly linked to ancient beliefs about the afterlife and rejuvenation. Recognizing its immense cultural value, UNESCO inscribed the Valley of the Queens, along with the Valley of the Kings and ancient Thebes, as a World Heritage Site in 1979.
A Journey Through Time
Exploring the Valley’s Dynasties
18th Dynasty
Step back in time to the 18th Dynasty, the very beginning of the Valley of the Queens’ story. It was during this illustrious era that the first royal tombs began to appear in this sacred valley. Imagine the groundbreaking burial of Princess Ahmose, daughter of the powerful Seqenenre Tao and Queen Sitdjehuti, likely taking place during the reign of Thutmose I.
Beyond the immediate royal family, the Valley of the Queens also became the final resting place for esteemed members of the nobility, individuals who held important positions such as a stable head and a vizier. Delve into the Valley of the Three Pits, a fascinating area where tombs, labeled simply from A to L, primarily date back to the Thutmosid period. This valley earned its intriguing name from its distinctive feature: three shaft tombs, now cataloged as QV 89, QV 90, and QV 91.
Imagine walking the same ancient route once taken by the dedicated workers journeying from their homes in Deir el-Medina to the Valley of the Queens. As you traverse the Valley of the Dolmen, you’ll find remnants of their passage, including a small rock-cut temple, humbly dedicated to the deities Ptah and Meretseger.
Tombs from this early period in the Valley of the Queens were typically designed with simplicity in mind. They often consisted of a single chamber leading to a burial shaft. However, some were expanded to accommodate the burials of multiple royal children and esteemed nobles who served the pharaoh.
Evidence of these early burials comes from tombs like the Tomb of the Princesses, dating back to the reign of Amenhotep III. This particular tomb yielded fascinating artifacts, now proudly displayed in museums. Among these treasures are fragments of canopic jars bearing the names of significant royal figures, such as King’s Wife Henut (her name encased in a royal cartouche), Prince Menkheperre, King’s Great Wife Nebetnehat, and King’s Daughter Ti, all figures who lived during the vibrant mid-18th Dynasty.
19th Dynasty
The 19th Dynasty marked a distinct shift in how the Valley of the Queens was utilized. During this period, it became a dedicated necropolis exclusively for the revered royal women of Egypt. Among those granted their final resting place here were the esteemed wives of prominent pharaohs like Ramesses I, Seti I, and the celebrated Ramesses II. Notably, the breathtaking tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66), meticulously carved and adorned between 1290 and 1224 BCE, stands as a testament to the artistry of the time, its vibrant polychrome reliefs remarkably preserved. While male members of the royal family continued to be interred in the Valley of the Kings, the impressive Tomb KV5, which housed the numerous sons of Ramesses II, serves as a compelling example of this continuing tradition.
Interestingly, the tomb of Queen Satre (QV 38) is believed to be one of the earliest prepared during this dynasty. Its construction likely commenced during the reign of Ramesses I and was completed under his successor, Seti I. It’s also worth noting that some tombs were initially prepared without a specific royal woman in mind, with their names added only after their passing.
Don’t Miss These Royal Gems in the Valley of the Queens
While the Valley of Kings often draws more attention, don’t underestimate the breathtaking beauty and enduring cultural significance that await you in the Valley of the Queens. Despite perhaps being less grand in scale than its counterpart, this royal necropolis holds treasures of immense artistic and historical value. Let us guide you through some of our personal favorite tombs that are absolute must-sees.
Nefertari
Ramesses the Great’s Beloved Queen
Meet Nefertari, a name meaning “Beautiful Companion,” also known as Nefertari Meritmut, which translates to “Beloved of Mut.” She wasn’t just a wife; she held the esteemed position of the first Great Royal Wife of Ramesses the Great, one of the most significant pharaohs in Egyptian history. Ranked alongside legendary queens like Cleopatra, Nefertiti, and Hatshepsut, Nefertari remains an iconic figure, even though she did not rule Egypt in her own right.
Remarkably educated for her time, Queen Nefertari possessed the rare ability to read and write hieroglyphs. This exceptional skill allowed her to actively participate in diplomatic affairs, engaging in correspondence with other influential royal figures of the ancient world. Her tomb, QV66, nestled in the Valley of the Queens, stands as a testament to her importance and Ramesses’ devotion. Adorned with breathtakingly vibrant and well-preserved paintings, it is considered one of the most magnificent tombs in the entire necropolis. Furthermore, Ramesses the Great immortalized his beloved queen by constructing a dedicated temple in her honor at Abu Simbel, right next to his colossal monument, ensuring her memory would endure for eternity.
Tomb of Amenherkhepshef
Journey to the Valley of the Queens, and on the western bank of the majestic Nile in Luxor, you’ll discover the tomb of Prince Amenherkhepshef. Born during the vibrant 19th Dynasty of Egypt’s New Kingdom, around 1250 BCE, this young royal was the beloved son of Pharaoh Ramesses III and Queen Tiye. Sadly, his life was cut short too soon.
Step inside his tomb, and you’ll be surrounded by intricate scenes from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, offering intimate glimpses of Amenherkhepshef alongside his royal parents and other family members. However, what truly distinguishes this tomb is its remarkably vibrant and exceptionally well-preserved paintings. These ancient artworks provide invaluable insights into the spiritual beliefs of Egyptians during the New Kingdom, detailing the young prince’s passage into the afterlife and the sacred rituals that accompanied his burial. Be forewarned, though this particular tomb awaits at the valley’s furthest reaches, offering a sense of true exploration.
The Enigmatic Tomb of Prince Khaemwaset
A Masterpiece Frozen in Time
Prepare to be mesmerized by the Tomb of Prince Khaemwaset in the Valley of the Queens, a true artistic gem. Its unparalleled artistry and incredibly vibrant colors rank it second only to the legendary tomb of Queen Nefertari, making it an absolute must-see.
While protective glass now safeguards many of its walls, the artwork within the Tomb of Prince Khaemwaset remains remarkably visible. This allows visitors to fully appreciate the intricate details and stunning beauty of the ancient Egyptian paintings.
Prince Khaemwaset, a son of the powerful Pharaoh Ramesses III, tragically died young. Believed to be Ramesses III’s eldest son, he held the esteemed position of high priest of Ptah in Memphis. Despite his prominent lineage and crucial religious role, he was surprisingly overlooked for the throne upon his father’s death. Instead, the kingship passed to Ramesses III’s brother, a historical twist that continues to puzzle Egyptologists to this day.