Introduction
The Valley of the Kings tombs are an excellent example of how ancient Egyptians prepared for the afterlife. This complex of ancient tombs is historically significant archaeological site situated on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor. The Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground for the pharaohs, and it was during the New Kingdom that the tombs were excavated and decorated with hieroglyphs, religious texts, and paintings.
When visiting this archaeological site, tourists have the unique opportunity of exploring the fascinating world of ancient Egyptians who lived millennia ago. It is always worth studying the history of the place before visiting it, and the research conducted beforehand could allow spotting all the details in the Valley of the Kings. For those of you, who want to experience ancient Egypt and study its history and culture, we recommend checking Volkena Tours’Egypt Travel Packages
If you are interested in discovering ancient Egypt through its archaeology, you may want to learn more about Volkena Tours’ Egypt Archaeology Tours. And for those of you, who seek to experience the local culture by embarking on a cruise along the Nile River, we recommend Egypt Nile Cruises as an addition to your cultural program.
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The History of the Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings was a royal burial ground during Egypt’s New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE) and contains many rock-cut tombs of the pharaohs who ruled this era and were not buried in the traditional pyramids.
Its location and landscape have created conditions for concealing treasure and the remains of ancient people.
Despite the security measures, grave robbers of antiquity penetrated the tombs, and valuable treasures and sacred relics disappeared.
In addition, burying the dead was considered by the ancient Egyptians to be an essential part of the transition to the next life.
Therefore, the religious beliefs and rites of passage were reflected in the inscriptions and drawings on the walls of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
Now this place is one of the most significant archaeological treasures of modern Egypt, as it provides anthropologists with information about ancient history, art, and culture.
Those visiting the Valley of the Kings can get more information and plan their trip using the Egypt Travel Guide by Volkena.
Which Pharaohs Were Buried in the Valley of the Kings?
There are crypts of several prominent New Kingdom pharaohs in the valley. Their construction varies significantly, both in terms of size and decoration, and in their current state of preservation, contributing to the overall variety of the valley.
Tutankhamen
Tutankhamen was a young pharaoh who belonged to the 18th dynasty. The tomb of this particular ruler is well-known all around the world since it was discovered by famed archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Moreover, it has been called one of the most astounding discoveries of the 20th century because of the wealth of treasures found there, including the iconic golden mask of Tutankhamen. The discovery of this tomb was extremely important for Egyptology since it provided an insight into the ancient Egyptian royal burial practice, which had previously been little understood. Notably, many of the treasures found in the tomb are currently displayed in several major museums worldwide rather than being kept in the Valley of Kings.
Seti I Essay
Seti I was the ruler of the 19th dynasty and was the one who built one of the most decorated and elaborated tombs in the valley. His burial chamber is elaborated and contains some of the finest paintings of religious themes.
Ramses VI
The tomb of Ramses VI is famous for its beautifully decorated corridors and ceilings. The hieroglyphics and astronomical markings found in the tomb illustrate the ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife, God, and the universe.
Note that the availability of separate tombs may vary, therefore it is advisable to check in advance if the visitor passes are open.
What Can You See Inside the Valley of the Kings Tombs?
nside the Valley of the King's tombs, you will find a variety of different architecture and decoration. Some tombs have long hallways that lead to the burial chamber, and others have intricate wall and ceiling paintings along with hieroglyphics.
Hieroglyphics and Religious Texts
The tomb walls are covered with hieroglyphics and excerpts of the ancient Egyptian religious texts describing the afterlife and the trials of the deceased person. It explains what the ancient egyptians went through in the process of burying their king.
Painted Walls and Ceilings
Tomb walls and ceilings depict deities along with scenes and symbols to signify the afterlife. The tomb painting has unique colors, figures, and symbols on different walls.
Burial Chambers and Royal Architecture
The layout of the tombs showcases the development of subterranean royal tombs and burial chambers. These constructions highlight the relevant architectural techniques and beliefs about death and the afterlife, which ancient Egyptian religion was based on.
One should note that many of the goods found in the tombs were taken away, stored in other places or deposited in museums.
How to Visit the Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is found on Luxor’s West Bank, located across the Nile from the city center. Travelers can arrange transport from Luxor and plan to combine their visit to the ancient tombs with other archaeological attractions in the region.
Those visiting other ancient Egyptian sights in Upper Egypt may want to consult Volkena’s Aswan Attractions page that presents the most fascinating destinations in the territory further South. In turn, travelers thinking of prolonging their Egyptian adventure in the capital Cairo can consult Volkena’s Cairo Attractions to view Egypt’s significant cultural heritage.
Finally, those considering a multi-country vacation can prolong their tour with Egypt’s ancient heritage through Volkena’s Multi Country Tours page.
Exploring More of Egypt’s Ancient Heritage
The Valley of the Kings offers a unique insight into the ancient burial practices of Egypt’s kings during the New Kingdom period. Exploring it alongside other tourist attractions in Luxor makes it possible to learn more about the history of ancient Thebes.
To get a greater perspective on Egypt’s archaeological culture, you might be interested in Alexandria Egypt Attractions, a guide to the city’s ancient attractions.
FAQs
1. How many tombs are in the Valley of the Kings?
Over half a century ago, more than 60 tombs were discovered in the Valley of the Kings, though the condition of many of these tombs varies greatly and some of them are not open to the public.
2. Can you visit Tutankhamun's tomb?
Tutankhamun's tomb is indeed one of the most popular sights in the Valley of the Kings, however, the specifics of its visit are subject to change, so it is better to clarify the details of visiting this tomb in advance. By the way, the pharaoh's funerary treasures are no longer stored in the tomb; they can be seen in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
3. How long does it take to visit the Valley of the Kings?
It all depends on how many tombs you are going to explore and how much time you are willing to spend studying the fascinating hieroglyphs decorating their walls. Do not forget to allocate time for traveling to the Valley of the Kings, queues at the entrance to the tombs, and exploring the area around the tombs.
4. What should you see in the Valley of the Kings tombs?
You can admire the beautiful paintings, hieroglyphics, decorate ceilings, and burial chambers. Paintings and hieroglyphs mean the ancient egyptians beliefs in their pharaohs.
5. Is the Valley of the kings worth it for first-time visitors to Egypt?
I think it is a must for the people who are interested in ancient civilizations and expecially in Eygpt. Many people say that seeing pyramids is not enough for one trip. Therefore, Valley of the Kings is worth your time.
