Introduction
The Valley of the Kings tells the story of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers through hidden chambers, religious imagery, and royal beliefs about eternity. Nearby, the Tombs of the Nobles broaden that story beyond the pharaohs, helping reveal the wider society that surrounded ancient Thebes. Together with Luxor’s temples and other West Bank monuments, they make this landscape one of the richest places for understanding ancient Egyptian civilization.
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Where Is the Valley of the Kings?
The Valley of the Kings is situated on the west bank of the Nile, opposite modern Luxor. This valley is part of the ancient Theban Necropolis, which surrounds what was once Egypt’s premier city, a political and religious center.
The Valley of the Kings is divided into two regions, the Eastern and the Western Valleys. Most of the tombs of Egypt’s famous Pharaohs are located in the East Valley. Notably, the East Valley’s dryness and rocky nature are a contrast to the landscaped riverbanks of the nearby Nile.
The West Bank contains far more than this royal burial ground. The Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Queens, Colossi of Memnon and numerous private tombs are also found within the wider archaeological landscape. For a broader understanding of both sides of the city, Trans Travel's Things to See in Luxor Egypt guide covers the royal valley alongside Karnak, Luxor Temple and other major sites.
Why Was the Valley of the Kings Built?
During the New Kingdom, the ancient Egyptian rulers stopped building prominent pyramids and started constructing more subtle and sophisticated underground royal tombs in the western mountains of Thebes.
The remote location was suitable for concealing the tombs’ entrances and surrounded by rock formations that provided natural protection for the rulers’ burial chambers carved inside the rock.
The location had a symbolic meaning linked to the sun’s daily journey through the sky. Since the west is where the sun sets and disappears from sight and then reappears on the eastern horizon, it was deemed appropriate for the burial ground. It is because the deceased pharaohs were believed to join the sun on its journey through the night and reappear at dawn.
The change is particularly striking when compared with the royal funerary landscapes of the Old Kingdom. Travelers interested in seeing how Egyptian royal burial traditions evolved can compare Luxor with the Pyramids of Giza, where monumental pyramid complexes had served earlier pharaohs thousands of years before the New Kingdom royal tombs of Thebes.
What Is Inside the Valley of the Kings?
More than sixty tombs have been found in the Valley of the Kings, but they are all different in terms of size, layout, and condition. The simplest ones have a short corridor leading to the burial chamber, while more sophisticated ones have a complex plan.
However, most of them have chambers with decorations. Hieroglyphics, depictions of gods, constellations, and scenes from ancient mythology could be found on the walls and ceilings of the tombs.
This discovery was significant to modern scientists since it proves that the Ancient Egypt believed in the pharaoh’s journey through the underworld, his judgment by gods, and transition to the next stage of existence.
Therefore, exploring such a place is a unique experience that nothing can replace. One cannot imagine how it feels to be inside a royal tomb with a frightening atmosphere, surrounded by religious paintings on the walls and ceiling.
For travelers exploring Upper Egypt more extensively, the royal necropolis can also form part of a journey along the river. Trans Travel's Egypt Nile Cruises connects Luxor and its West Bank monuments with Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Cairo.
Which Tombs Are Famous in the Valley of the Kings?
Tomb of Tutankhamun – KV62
The tomb of Tutankhamun is the most famous discovery associated with the Valley of the Kings. The archaeologist Howard Carter unraveled the mystery of KV62 in 1922, and the found treasure made this unknown pharaoh a globally recognized hero.
From today’s perspective, KV62 is not tall; other pharaohs’ tombs are more impressive and complex. Nevertheless, the simplicity of this ancient construction’s architecture is quickly forgotten when the visitor gazes upon the discovered treasure, the beautiful artifacts, and the well-preserved interior of the chamber.
Tomb of Seti I – KV17
KV17 is one of the most remarkable royal tombs in the valley. It is easy to get lost in the long corridors of this construction; even more so, different hieroglyphs decorate almost every inch of its interior.
The significance of this archeological finding is reflected in the funerary symbolism and painting in the tomb, which depict the intricate beliefs about the afterlife.
Tomb of Ramesses VI – KV9
KV9 is the monument of the kings of the first order, connected at one time with two pharaohs – Ramesses V and Ramesses VI. The decoration of this tomb’s walls and vaults, which survived until modern times, is distinguished by its vastness, intricacy, and complexity.
Studying the valley’s history and the lives of the kings buried there cannot be exhausted by describing one discover, certainly not by KV62. A visitor to the valley will notice that the architectural solutions of different tombs and their pictorial programs are expressed quite differently.
What Are the Tombs of the Nobles?
The Tombs of the Nobles are not located within the Valley of the Kings. Indeed, they are distinct necropolises, which were primarily used by high-ranking officials and other members of the Theban community.
This difference makes them a great addition to the Valley of the Kings, as one can see how different the tombs of the king and the private individuals are. While the former’s burials’ art focuses on the pharaoh’s power, gods, and the afterlife, the private ones often depict the daily lives of the Ancient Egyptians.
However, the subjects vary from painting to painting, as they also showcase the different beliefs and lifestyles of the local people and their connection to the rulers. As such, the Tombs of the Nobles should not be seen as the lesser counterparts to the royal burial ground. Instead, both sites display the ancient way of life and the culture of death and the afterlife that was popular at the time. Travelers continuing through Upper Egypt can explore these contrasts in Trans Travel's Things to Do in Aswan Egypt guide.
FAQs
1- Where is the Valley of the Kings located?
The Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor in Upper Egypt and forms part of the Theban Necropolis.
2- Who was buried in the Valley of the Kings?
The valley was primarily used for New Kingdom pharaohs and members of the royal family; famous rulers associated with the tombs are Tutankhamun, Seti I and several kings named Ramesses.
3- Is Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings?
Yes, and his tomb is KV62. The discovery of the tomb by Howard Carter in 1922 has since become one of the most famous Egyptology stories.
4- Are the Tombs of the Nobles a part of the Valley of the Kings?
No, the Tombs of the Nobles are separate burial places (within the wider Theban Necropolis) and were primarily for officials and other members of the ancient Theban elite rather than the pharaohs.
5- What is special about the Valley of the Kings?
The royal tombs have a unique combination of royal history, rock-cut architecture, religious texts and exceptionally rich tomb decoration, and provide insight into the beliefs of New Kingdom about kingship, death and the afterlife.
