Valley of the Kings
Origin of the Valley of the Kings
In 1539 BCE, the kings of the New Kingdom chose this valley as the site for their eternal tombs. This choice was likely influenced by the nature of the mountain in the area, which was called Ta-Dahnt in ancient times.
Significance of the Location
The highest point, as seen from the valley entrance, had a pyramid shape, which held special sacred meaning for the ancient Egyptians. The valley was also closely associated with the god Horus.
Development of the Royal Tombs
Thutmose I was one of the first kings to carve his tomb in the eastern part of the Valley of the Kings, making these tombs eternal residences. Kings of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties, starting with Thutmose, chose this remote valley behind Deir el-Bahri as the site for their tombs deep in the mountain.
Designation of the Tombs
These tombs are now abbreviated as KV (King’s Valley).
Structure of the Tombs
The layout of the tombs varied greatly from one to another, typically featuring a descending corridor cut into the mountain, with burial shafts designed to mislead tomb robbers, and rooms with columns. At the end was the burial chamber containing the stone sarcophagus where the king’s mummy was placed.
Decorations and Contents
Only the walls, ceilings, and columns of these tombs were adorned with beautiful decorations and inscriptions, including scenes from daily life, religious texts from the Book of the Dead, the Hours of the Night and Day, and other ancient Egyptian religious books. Many rooms contained various furniture and tools, indicating the tombs’ readiness for the king’s afterlife. The tombs were filled with essentials the king would need in the next world, such as food, clothing, ornaments, jewelry, offerings, and drinks meant to assist the deceased in the afterlife.
Famous Tombs and Modern Discoveries
The most famous tombs in the Valley of the Kings include those of Tutankhamun, Thutmose III, Ramses II, Ramses VI, and Seti I. After Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, scholars believed that all possible tombs had been found. However, in 2005, archaeologist Arthur Shaden discovered the first unknown tomb since Tutankhamun’s discovery, located about 15 meters from Tutankhamun’s tomb walls. More recently, a mission led by Zahi Hawass, one of the original tomb discoverers, successfully uncovered KV65.