Overview
The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, is one of the most famous and historically significant archaeological sites in Egypt. Serving as the royal burial ground for the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th centuries BC), this hidden valley is home to over 60 tombs, including those of some of Egypt’s most legendary rulers such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I.
Unlike the grand pyramids of earlier dynasties, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings were carved deep into the limestone hills, intended to keep the royal burials hidden from grave robbers. Each tomb is intricately decorated with colorful hieroglyphs and wall paintings that depict the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife and the protection of their soul by the gods. The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter brought global fame to the Valley, revealing a stunning collection of treasures that provide unparalleled insight into ancient Egyptian burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
