⚱️ Valley of the Kings
Egypt
About This Sacred Site
The Valley of the Kings, on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, served as the royal burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom for nearly 500 years. The valley contains 63 known tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered nearly intact by Howard Carter in 1922. The ancient Egyptians chose this remote valley because the pyramid-shaped peak of al-Qurn naturally towered over it, and they believed the west bank of the Nile was the realm of the dead. The tombs are decorated with elaborate paintings depicting the pharaoh's journey through the underworld and into eternal life, preserved in vivid color by the dry desert climate.
Key Facts
- •Contains 63 known tombs of pharaohs and nobles spanning nearly 500 years
- •Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered nearly intact by Howard Carter in 1922
- •The pyramid-shaped peak of al-Qurn was considered a natural pyramid by the ancient Egyptians
- •Tomb paintings depict the pharaoh's journey through the underworld to eternal life
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Ancient Thebes (since 1979)
Location
Coordinates: 25.7402, 32.6014
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