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The Valley of the Kings is perhaps the most priceless and intriguing of all the ancient wonders of the world. Nestled within the harsh, picturesque desert setting on the west bank of Luxor, for over 500 years of the New Kingdom, this remote, hidden valley was where Egypt’s rulers lay in their final slumber, having abandoned the concept of pyramid burial.
Cut into the side of a limestone cliff, the entrances and corridors that make up the tombs were created to shield the mummified rulers and their precious items from thieves, as well as to safely escort the kings through to the underworld. Like so many things ancient, the tombs embody the concept of eternal life and are decorated with intricate symbols, religious writing and murals copied from holy funeral texts like The Book of the Dead.
One of the best known tombs is that of Tutankhamun; the amazing golden tomb remained almost undisturbed and in 1922 an entire treasure-filled burial chamber was discovered, sparking wonder in every corner of the globe. The long hallways of other remarkable tombs, like those of Seti I and Ramses VI are as breathtaking as the intricate art displayed on their walls.
The History of the Valley of the Kings: Pharaohs Choose Eternity
The Valley of the Kings served as the resting place for pharaohs from approximately the 16th century BCE. Instead of building massive pyramids, the New Kingdom rulers opted to conceal their tombs deep within the limestone cliffs to safeguard the deceased and his treasure from tomb robbers and ensure a peaceful journey into the afterlife. Some of the best known Egyptian pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II are all buried here, along with a number of other powerful pharaohs and nobles. All of the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings were carved deep into the rock face and featured long tunnels, the burial chamber, and intricate religious texts.
Inside the Royal Tombs: Art, Mystery and Ancient Beliefs
The royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings are renowned for their colourful and beautifully decorated wall paintings. Many of the inscriptions found on the walls of the tombs are still wonderfully preserved and portray scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology including the 'Book of the Dead', the passage through the underworld, and the divine judgement. The most visited tomb at the Valley of the Kings site is that of the famous boy-king Tutankhamun. Discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 it contained a wealth of tomb contents and was considered the world's greatest archaeological find. The tomb of Ramses VI and that of Seti I are two further famous tombs with spectacular examples of long passages, ornately painted ceilings and cavernous burial chambers cut into the sheer rock face. This makes the site incredibly relevant for Egypt archaeology tours, Luxor West Bank trips and ancient civilization holidays.
The Landscape and Experience: Journey into the Theban Mountains
The Valley of the Kings is set within the stunning desert landscape of arid surroundings and imposing, imposing limestone peaks, naturally guarded and protected from the elements by nature. Walking the paths between the tombs of some of Egypt's most famous rulers you can easily imagine what it must have been like for the ancient workmen. The Valley of the Kings is maintained with tourist facilities and a number of the tombs are open for viewing by the public who are guided through with information on all the texts inscribed and images painted on the walls. The arid climate of Egypt and Luxor is one of the reasons why so many of the tomb walls are in good condition today and this makes for one of the mostvisually spectacular ancient sites on Earth. For a trip to the Valley of the Kings plan a Luxor day trip, incorporate it into a Nile cruise excursion or book an Egypt cultural tour.
Why the Valley of the Kings is a Must-See Egypt Travel Destination
The Valley of the Kings is more than just the burial place for Egypt's ancient rulers, it is a passage to the afterlife and an incredible insight into the ancient Egyptian beliefs concerning death, eternity, and divine kingship. The Valley of the Kings holds more historical significance, artistic value, and archaeological interest than almost any other place in Egypt and, whether part of an Egypt West Bank tour or one of many additional excursions offered on an Egypt tour, it always features prominently in must-do attractions in Luxor Egypt, Egypt ancient sites, Egypt tomb tours. Anyone with an interest in pharaohs, history or archaeology can consider visiting the Valley of the Kings one of the highlights of their Egypt trip.
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