The Valley of the Kings: the mystery of pharaonic tombs in ancient Thebes

The Valley of the Kings, located in ancient Egypt, houses the tombs of numerous pharaohs of the New Empire. There are also tombs of queens and privileged nobles. This site, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is part of ancient Thebes.

The geography of the valley is dominated by a pyramid-shaped hill and is mystically related to the temples of Thebes. Over the years, intact tombs have been discovered, Tutankhamun’s being one of the most famous. The valley has also suffered looting and robberies that have affected the tombs known since antiquity.

The Valley of the Kings in ancient Egypt

In this valley are the numbered tombs, where the pharaohs lie together with their wealth and funerary objects. Each tomb is an architectural masterpiece reflecting the power and majesty of the rulers of antiquity.

To explore the valley is to enter a world of mystery and history, where each tomb tells a unique and fascinating story. Discovering the secrets hidden within its walls is an unforgettable journey to understand the greatness of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

Brief history of the Valley of the Kings

The origins of the Valley of the Kings date back to Pharaoh Thutmose I of the XVIIIth Dynasty, who decided to abandon the necropolis of Dra Abu el-Naga and establish a new final resting place for the kings.

In its beginnings, the Valley of the Kings was considered a family cemetery. Throughout the 19th and 20th dynasties, the design of the tombs changed and they became easier to uncover, which unfortunately led to an increase in robberies and looting.

One of the most outstanding events in the history of the Valley of the Kings was the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. We will discuss it later in this article.

Despite its historical importance, the valley suffered a period of decline caused by the deteriorating political and economic situation in Egypt, as well as increased looting and robbery in the known tombs. As the capital moved to other regions, the necropolis gradually lost relevance.

Today, the Valley of the Kings is an impressive testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt and remains a popular tourist destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the history and mysterious life of the pharaohs.

The tombs of the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings houses an impressive number of tombs representing the funerary legacy of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt. These tombs are true masterpieces of architecture and decoration, reflecting the importance and status of the rulers in their afterlife.

Each tomb in the valley has a code indicating its location, such as KV (East Valley) or WV (West Valley). These tombs go deep into the hill of Dehenet-Imenet, also known as el-Qurn, and are carefully decorated with reliefs and hieroglyphs that narrate the life and achievements of the pharaoh to whom they belong.

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings vary in size and complexity. Some of the best known include the tomb of Ramses II, one of the largest and most magnificent in the valley, and the tomb of Seti I, known for its impressive wall paintings. Each tomb offers a fascinating insight into the faith and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt, as well as the life and power of the pharaohs.

Pharaohs of the new empire buried in the valley

The Valley of the Kings served as the eternal resting place for most of the pharaohs of the New Egyptian Empire. These supreme rulers of the ancient Egyptian empire chose the valley as their final resting place because of its religious and symbolic importance.

The pharaohs of the new empire who rest in the valley include iconic figures such as Ramses II, known for his military achievements and imposing monuments; Amenhotep III, remembered for his reign of peace and prosperity; and Hatshepsut, the only woman to rule as pharaoh in her own right and leave an impressive legacy.

Each of the tombs houses an incredible amount of treasures and works of art, destined to accompany the pharaoh on his journey to the afterlife.

In addition to the pharaohs, some queens and princes were also buried in the valley, although in smaller numbers. These royalty also received tombs worthy of their position and status.

To explore the tombs of the pharaohs of the new empire in the valley is to delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most glorious periods. Each tomb reveals the wealth and power of the ancient civilization, and allows us to connect with the leaders of this great empire.

Discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun

As mentioned above, one of the most exciting moments in the history of the Valley of the Kings was the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by the British archaeologist Howard Carter. After years of searching and meticulous excavations, the young pharaoh’s tomb was finally found intact.

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb was an archaeological milestone, as it was the first time a royal tomb was found unlooted in the Valley of the Kings. Inside the tomb thousands of precious objects and statues were found, showing the wealth and splendor of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

Tutankhamun’s tomb revealed valuable treasures and provided unique insight into life and death in ancient Egypt. Finds included Tutankhamun’s famous solid gold sarcophagus, his iconic gold mask and numerous jewelry, amulets and ritual objects.

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb sparked worldwide interest in Egyptian civilization and is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of all time.

The queens and privileged nobles of the Valley of the Kings

In the Valley of the Kings, in addition to the tombs of the pharaohs, there are the tombs of queens, princes and privileged nobles.

Queens, such as Nefertari and Tiy, played an important role in Egyptian society and were granted majestic tombs in the valley. These tombs are decorated with reliefs and paintings that tell the story of these powerful women.

In addition to the queens, privileged nobles were also buried in the valley. These tombs provide us with information about the social hierarchy and the roles played by these individuals in ancient Egypt.

• The tombs of the nobles, such as those of Ramose and Userhat, show the opulence and luxuries of court life.
• The tombs of the princes, such as that of Amenherkhepshef, reveal the importance of the royal succession and the preparation of the heirs.
• The tombs of princesses, such as that of Meritamon, show the life of female royalty and their role in marriage alliances.

The mystery of the untouched tombs

The Valley of the Kings harbors an intriguing mystery: some tombs have been discovered completely intact, while others have been plundered by looters over the centuries. These intact tombs provide invaluable insight into life and death in ancient Egypt. When archaeologists first gain access to a tomb that has remained closed for millennia, they find a treasure trove of perfectly preserved funerary objects and paintings.

These intact tombs also raise fascinating questions. How is it possible that some tombs have avoided the attention of looters for so long? What security measures did the ancient Egyptians implement to protect the most important tombs? What were the hidden secrets these tombs held that caused them to go unnoticed by thieves?

The best known intact tomb is that of Tutankhamun. However, there are other intact tombs, which were in an excellent state of preservation, such as those of Seti I and Ramses II.

Despite efforts to keep the tombs hidden and protected, the Valley of the Kings could not completely escape looting and robbery over the centuries.

The Valley of the Kings and its relationship with the temples of Thebes

The Valley of the Kings, located near the city of Luxor, is part of Ancient Thebes with its necropolis, a World Heritage Site. This mystical valley is closely related to the great temples of Thebes on the eastern bank of the Nile.

To trace this connection, just follow a straight line from the temple of Karnak, westward, leading to the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and finally to the majestic Valley of the Kings. This route symbolizes the east-west duality, a fundamental characteristic in Egyptian cosmology.

The Valley of the Kings was the place chosen by the pharaohs of the New Empire to build their funerary temples on the west bank of Thebes. Although the capital of Egypt was later moved, the kings continued to honor their traditions in this sacred valley.

The political and economic influence of the country, especially during the XXI dynasty, deeply affected the Valley of the Kings. As a consequence, robberies and looting of the tombs increased, endangering the historical legacy they house.

The map of the Valley of the Kings

Exploring the Valley of the Kings requires a good orientation and knowledge of the map of the area. This map is crucial to locate the different tombs and plan an efficient and complete visit.

The valley is divided into two main parts: the East Valley, also known as King’s Valley, and the West Valley. Each of these areas contains numerous tombs, but it is in the East Valley where most of the tombs numbered with the code KV are located.

When studying the map of the Valley of the Kings, it is important to familiarize yourself with the names and numbers of the most prominent tombs. Some of the most popular and visited tombs include the tomb of Ramses IV (KV2), the tomb of Merenptah (KV8) and the aforementioned tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62).

The best tombs to visit in the valley

Here is a selection of the best tombs not to be missed during your visit:

• Tomb of Ramses II (KV7): Known as the largest tomb in the Valley, it is noted for its incredible reliefs and paintings depicting scenes from the life and reign of Ramses II.
• Tomb of Seti I (KV17): This tomb impresses with its elaborate reliefs and paintings, with exquisite attention to detail. Here you can admire the artistic beauty and rich history of ancient Egypt.
• Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62): Admire the incredible treasure and funerary objects of the young pharaoh.
• Tomb of Amenhotep III (WV22): Although located in the West Valley, this tomb is worth visiting to marvel at the reliefs depicting Egyptian gods and funerary rituals.
• Tomb of Merenptah (KV8): Discover the reliefs that tell the story of Merenptah and his relationship to important historical events.

These are just a few of the gems that the Valley of the Kings has to offer. Get ready to delve into the history and grandeur of ancient Egypt as you explore these magnificent tombs.

The thefts and looting in the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings has witnessed numerous thefts and looting throughout its history. These actions have resulted in the irreparable loss of valuable treasures and historical artifacts. Tomb robbers, increasingly bolder and less fearful, have infiltrated the tombs in search of riches and valuables.

Looters, motivated by greed, have damaged and destroyed valuable inscriptions and reliefs, thus losing part of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Despite the efforts and security measures implemented to protect the tombs, some looters have gained access and left their destructive mark.

These robberies have especially affected the most famous and recognized tombs, as they are obvious choices for those who are willing to take the risk. The tombs that have managed to remain intact, such as those of Tutankhamun and Amenhotep II, are true treasures discovered by lucky archaeologists and their discovery is an impressive exception.

To curb this problem, additional security measures have been implemented in the Valley of the Kings. Tomb gates have been reinforced, surveillance systems have been installed and guards have been assigned to protect the area over the years. However, the threat of theft has always been present and continues to be a challenge to preserve this priceless cultural heritage.

The political influence on the decline of the Valley of the Kings

The necropolis of the Valley of the Kings suffered a decline in importance due to political factors that affected ancient Egypt. During the period of the XXI dynasty, the kings moved the capital to Tanis, leaving Upper Egypt under the control of the High Priests of Amun. This political situation generated a gradual abandonment of the construction of funerary temples on the west bank of Thebes. In addition, the economic and political situation of the country deteriorated, leading to a decline in the investment and maintenance of funerary monuments.

If you don’t know where to go on vacation, we have the perfect plan for you. How about walking among pharaohs, kings and queens in the Valley of the Kings?