Where Egypt’s Greatest Kings Were Buried
For nearly 500 years — from the 16th to the 11th century BC — the pharaohs of Egypt’s New Kingdom chose a remote desert valley on the west bank of the Nile at Thebes (modern Luxor) as their burial place. The Valley of the Kings contains at least 63 known tombs, including those of some of the most powerful rulers in ancient history: Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, Seti I, Thutmose III, and Amenhotep II.
It is the most intensively studied archaeological site in the world and continues to yield discoveries more than 200 years after systematic excavation began.
Why This Valley?
The choice of the valley appears to have been deliberate on multiple levels. The dominant peak above the valley — a natural pyramid shape called El-Qurn — may have held symbolic significance, echoing the pyramid form of earlier royal tombs. The valley is remote and easily guarded. The limestone geology is ideal for cutting the elaborate underground tomb chambers the New Kingdom style required.
The shift from pyramid tombs (Old and Middle Kingdom) to hidden rock-cut tombs also reflected bitter experience — virtually every pyramid had been robbed within centuries of construction. The pharaohs of the New Kingdom hoped that secrecy and concealment would protect their burials better than monumentality had. They were largely wrong, but the attempt produced some of the most elaborate underground architecture in the ancient world.
Major Tombs and Discoveries
KV62 — Tutankhamun: The most famous tomb in the valley, discovered intact by Howard Carter in 1922. Tutankhamun was a minor pharaoh who died young — yet his tomb contained over 5,000 objects, giving us the most complete picture of New Kingdom royal burial equipment ever found. The “Curse of the Pharaohs” associated with the discovery has no factual basis.
KV17 — Seti I: The longest and most elaborately decorated tomb in the valley, discovered by Giovanni Belzoni in 1817. The paintings and reliefs in Seti I’s tomb are considered the finest examples of New Kingdom funerary art ever found.
KV7 — Ramesses II: The tomb of Egypt’s most famous pharaoh — Ramesses the Great — is actually one of the most damaged in the valley, heavily flooded over the centuries. The mummy of Ramesses II was found in a royal cache elsewhere.
The Royal Cache
In antiquity, the valley’s tombs were systematically plundered — most within a few centuries of construction. By the Third Intermediate Period, Egyptian priests gathered the surviving royal mummies and reburied them in hidden caches for protection. Two major caches were discovered in the 19th century, containing over 50 royal mummies including Ramesses II, Thutmose III, and Ahmose I — essentially the collected remains of Egypt’s greatest dynasty, hidden together for 3,000 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tombs are in the Valley of the Kings?
At least 63 numbered tombs have been discovered. Not all belong to pharaohs — some contain queens, nobles, and royal family members. Archaeologists believe additional undiscovered tombs may exist.
Can you visit the Valley of the Kings?
Yes. The valley near Luxor, Egypt is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. A standard entry ticket allows access to three tombs; additional fees cover Tutankhamun’s tomb and other premium tombs.