Overview
- The Amazing History
- Tombs and the Treasures
- The Valley of the Kings Today
- Discover Egypt with Bunnik
The Amazing History
Before to The Valley of the Kings was created, pyramids were the main burial structures for the Kings. These were too often raided by robbers though, and a more remote and hidden burial site was needed to preserve the King’s resting place and their path into the afterlife.
The Valley of the Kings is a remote area on the west bank of the Nile, near what is now Luxor. The peak of Al-Qurn rises above the Valley of the Kings, resembling a pyramid shape. This distinctive feature likely influenced the choice of the site for the tombs. Additionally, its proximity to the banks of the Nile facilitated the transport of building materials.
Ancient Egyptians had a strong belief in the afterlife, and the building of tombs was part of their preparation for this. Mummification was a ritual to preserve the body for the afterlife, and their tombs housed the mummies and belongings they would need. Their sarcophagus would be carved with imagery of the Kings afterlife and their connection with the gods.
The walls of the tombs are elaborately decorated with scenes of the life of the King, the funerary rituals and the path into the afterlife. There are images of the Kings in the presence of the Gods, and the various stages and rituals the ancient Egyptians believed were required to successfully pass into the afterlife. Religious imagery and texts, such as The Litany of Ra, The Book of Gates, the Book of Earth and the Book of the Dead are depicted in the artwork throughout the tombs.
Tombs and the Treasures
First, we visited the tomb of KV5 (Sons of Ramses II), from the 19th Dynasty, which is the largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings. It is decorated with the images of Ramses II and his sons, showing their offerings to the gods. The craftmanship and artistry is quite amazing, and it is a true wonder how well preserved the colours and images are.
Next was the tomb KV6 (Ramses IX) - a smaller but equally elaborately decorated tomb, and then KV11 (Ramses III), the longest tomb in the valley. All were beautifully decorated with the King’s journey to the gods and into the afterlife.
The final tomb we visited is not the largest but certainly the most famous – the tomb of Tutankhamun. There is an additional cost to visit this tomb, but it is definitely worth it! The tomb was discovered untouched in 1922 by Howard Carter, and as a result it has provided the most wonderful insight into the kings, their lives and their beliefs. Along with Tutankhamun’s mummy, it was filled with treasures and artifacts such as chariots, furniture, and food offerings. The coffins within Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus were covered in jewels and gold, showing the great wealth and importance of the King, despite his short reign and life. Again, the walls of the tomb were covered with wonderful depictions of the King’s path to the afterlife. Today, Tutankhamun’s mummy is still inside the tomb. It is such an overwhelming feeling to actually enter the tomb and be in the presence of an ancient King, and something I will never forget.
The Valley of the Kings Today
The Valley of the Kings is an active archaeological site, with digs and discoveries still occurring. These days, great importance has been placed on the conservation and protection of these ancient sites, and hopefully this will aid to preserve them for future generations. The Valley of the Kings restrict visitor numbers to the tombs and rotate the access to the tombs.
Plexiglass coverings were placed over some of the walls within arm’s reach, to prevent people touching the artwork. Humidifiers are used to minimise the effects of the air on the tombs.
Despite these measures, the tombs remain incredibly accessible, providing visitors with a truly amazing up-close experience. While this enhances the visitor experience, additional protective measures are necessary for preservation purposes.
There are active archaeological sites with teams still digging the area in search of more treasures, and you cannot help but wonder what is still to be discovered as you wander through the valley.
Discover Egypt with Bunnik
The Valley of the Kings is located a short drive from Luxor, on the West Bank of the Nile. We visited early in the day, to beat the afternoon heat. Our Bunnik Tour’s expert guide organised our entry tickets in advance, making for a quicker and seamless entry process. Our small group size (as with all Bunnik Tours) meant a much more personalised local connection.
The Valley of the Kings really does transport you back to ancient times. The imposing landscape and ravines in the arid desert create an incredible feeling of time standing still, and the beautifully decorated tombs tell so many stories. Our guides bring these stories to life with their knowledge and passion, and it really is such a wonderful experience to visit the Valley of the Kings.
So many stories remain untold throughout Egypt, leaving you to wonder what other mysteries are yet to be discovered, this only adds to the fascination of this incredible country, and it’s no wonder that the world is so enchanted by its history. Our Highlights of Egypt and Egyptian Discovery tours give you the opportunity to experience the wonder firsthand, leaving you with a love for Egypt and a desire to learn more.
Image credit to Kristen Bertram.
