Valley of the Kings / Archaeological site, الأقصر ⋆ The Passenger

The Valley of the Kings is a renowned archaeological site located on the west bank of the Nile near الأقصر, Egypt. It served as the burial ground for Egypt’s royalty and powerful nobles during the New Kingdom period, roughly from 1539 BC to 1075 BC. The valley consists mainly of rock-cut tombs, carved deep into the hillsides beneath the peak known as al-Qurn, which is shaped like a pyramid and likely symbolised the royal power of the New Kingdom pharaohs. This secluded location was chosen to deter grave robbers, guarded by special police known as the Medjay, and it marked a shift from the grand pyramid tombs of earlier times to more discreet, elaborate subterranean burial chambers.

Among those buried in the Valley of the Kings are some of ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including Thutmose I, Hatshepsut, Seti I, Ramses II (known as Ramses the Great), and Tutankhamun. While it is labelled the ‚Valley of the Kings’, the site is also the final resting place for favourite nobles, queens, and royal family members, though only about twenty tombs belong to kings themselves. The tombs are richly decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and contain inscriptions that provide insight into the religious beliefs and funerary practices surrounding death and the afterlife during the New Kingdom era.

Today, visitors to the Valley of the Kings can explore a selection of these tombs, many of which have been preserved and outfitted for tourism. The site features over 60 known tombs, though only a handful are open to the public at any one time to aid conservation efforts. Visitors typically begin at the modern Visitor Centre, which hosts a large 3D map of the entire valley and provides ticketing and tram rides to the entrance of the necropolis. Once inside, guests can walk through long corridors and chambers adorned with vibrant ancient wall paintings, witnessing the artistry that commemorates the deceased pharaohs’ journeys to the afterlife.

The valley remains a captivating destination for archaeology enthusiasts and travellers alike, offering a rare glimpse into the grandeur and mystery of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Despite the fact that many tombs were plundered in antiquity, the site still holds tremendous historical and cultural value. Efforts at excavation, research, and preservation continue, ensuring that the Valley of the Kings remains a living testament to Egypt’s glorious past and a profound encounter with the world of ancient royalty. Visitors can also benefit from guided tours and detailed explanations that bring to life the stories behind the tombs and the pharaohs buried within them. With the standard ticket you can choose three graves to visit, for Ramesses V and VI you need an extra ticket. I explored KV2 (Ramesses IV), KV9 (Ramesses V and VI), KV11 (Ramesses III), KV16 (Ramesses I). Many people go for the grave of Tutankhamun – but it isn‘t the most beautiful one.