The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is one of the most marvelous examples of the prosperity and the mystery of ancient Egyptian culture. Situated on the western bank of the Nile in the present day of Luxor this marvelous architecture was the final resting place of the New Kingdom’s most powerful pharaohs including the young king Tutankhamen. While the tombs of earlier dynasties are enormous pyramids, the tombs of the Valley of the Kings are cave-like, steep and deep and contain carved scenes of the afterlife. To visit these tombs is to obtain a really interesting insight into the policies and beliefs which governed one of the most adored empires in history. The Egypt Valley of the Kings was the final resting place for pharaohs and nobles of ancient Egypt.
A visit with archaeology lovers and tourists is a fairy tale when visiting this famous site of the Valley of the Kings. Every tomb is a history of a culture, some of them are even still buried in the tombs. For these reasons, the place has been of great artistic value and history which in turn makes it to be on the list of places to visit. Pick your next travel destination today and get to enjoy a seamless journey with our Egypt tour packages. The Egypt Valley of the Kings is known for its many royal tombs and secrets hidden beneath the desert sands.
Here are the 7 Fascinating Facts about Egypt’s Valley of the Kings
1. A Royal Necropolis of the Pharaohs
The Valley of the Kings was the burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs of Egypt such as Tutankhamu, Ramses II and Seti I. Unlike the large pyramids used in the earlier dynasties, these tombs were constructed to be built into the very body of the rock to discourage would-be thieves. What makes it even more interesting is that there are a lot of paintings inside the tombs. Wall paintings are bright and they are mostly focused on the afterlife giving glimpses of what Egyptians believed in. It is like being transported back to the time when you are taking a walk and that is why it is a favorite of many when on an Egypt holiday. Excavations in the Egypt Valley of the Kings have revealed stunning hieroglyphs and treasures.
2. The Discovery of King Tutankhamun’s Tomb
The most famous tomb was found in 1922 by Howard Carter, an archaeologist who uncovered the virtually sealed tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun whose golden death mask is now famous all over the world. This discovery made the Valley of the Kings to become a world attraction site. It was full of gold and silver chariots, necklaces, bracelets, rings and other items that revealed the richness of royal funeral process. People today can admire copies of these relics or watch the originals in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The Egypt Valley of the Kings is famous for its intricate tomb designs and elaborate decorations.
3. Home to Over 60 Tombs
Valley of the Kings has 63 known tombs, which will be discussed in detail below, and they also differ in size and construction. There are some which are just holes in the ground, and some which are as impressive as the tomb of Seti I with its carvings and paintings. However, not all the tombs are accessible to the public but there are some that tourists can visit in order to see the great workmanship lavished on them. This makes the Valley an important addition to any over Egypt package tour and travel.
4. Secrets Yet to Be Unearthed
Many researchers have conducted many exploration exercises in the Valley of the Kings for many decades and yet more secrets remain concealed. With the help of such tools as ground penetrating radar, one might speculate that there are many more buried tombs waiting to be discovered. This constant mystery contributes to the value of the valley as a lively historical and adventurous site. Visitors to the Egypt Valley of the Kings can explore tombs that date back thousands of years.
5. The Curse of the Pharaohs
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb made the curse of the pharaohs famous all over the world. Many of the workers in Carter’s team died in their early deaths, some of them mysteriously, which made many to believe that the Pharaoh cursed the people. And though there is still dispute over the existence of the curse the discovery has certainly given the Valley of the Kings a mysterious and unique place in the tales of ancient Egypt. The Egypt Valley of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular attraction for tourists.
6. Tomb Robbery in Ancient Times
The tombs of the Valley of the Kings were often hidden and despite the fact that the tombs are located deep in the ground many of them were robbed in the ancient time. Not even tombs of such mighty Pharaohs like Ramses II were spared for the same. This goes to prove just how much importance is attached to these burial grounds and the artifacts buried there. Today, much is done to preserve what is left and make sure that generations to come will enjoy this world’s heritage.
7. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1979 the Valley of the Kings was listed under the World Heritage Site Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis. This recognition makes it important in the cultural and historical aspect of the world. Visiting this site offers a great opportunity to feel the greatness of ancient Egypt. Accompany this experience with our specially selected Egypt holiday packages to make your travel extraordinary. The Egypt Valley of the Kings remains a key archaeological site for understanding ancient Egyptian history.
Conclusion
The Valley of the Kings is not merely an archeological site but rather a passage to the past which allows people to get closer to the mysterious world of the great Egyptian kings. Every tomb is decorated with brilliant carving and paintings and each of them opens a look at the civilization that still is intriguing the world. It is impossible to watch the valley and not be reminded of the kings who commissioned them in the hope of having their tombs last forever.
Whether the visitor is an archaeology nerd or just an ordinary person who wants to have a touch of the past, the Valley of the Kings will never let him/her down. Categorized under art, mystery, and history, this is a place you should not miss when in Egypt. Begin your travel with our Egypt tour package or Egypt vacation package to discover the secrets of the Valley of the Kings and the stories painted on the walls of the new kingdom tombs.
