The World’s Most Famous Archaeological Underworld
by Archaeology is a religion for illuminated individuals, however if you cross the Gods you will suffer the consequences. Many men have risked their lives in pursuit of historical relics, many have never returned.
The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is located on the West Bank of the Nile River within “the heart of the Theban Necropolis”. This illuminated place is said to hold the wealth of Egypt where Kings and Queens were laid to rest and their treasure was buried with them. Many men have died risking their lives to discover the mysteries of this sacred place, some have never returned.
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
The Theban Hills by the peak of al-Qurn, known to the Ancient Egyptians as ta dehent is reminiscent of the pyramids of the Old Kingdom. The location was isolated and protected providing the guards were on duty.
Image via Wikipedia
The majority of the 63 tombs were cut directly into the rock and adorned with Egyptian mythological drawings and funerary rituals leaving us with a story to tell. Historically, the chambers were filled with artifacts and relics depicting life and family, however they were robbed of their history by treasure seekers.
The earliest tombs were ornamented with scenes from Amduat (’That Which is in the Underworld’), which describes the voyage of the sun-god through the twelve hours of the night. From the time of Horemheb, tombs were adorned with the Book of Gates, which shows the sun-god passing through the twelve gates that divide the night time, and ensure the tomb owner’s own safe passage through the hours of darkness.
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
The Valley of the Kings is most famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun which was rumored throughout history to be cursed. The initial excavation of the tomb opened up the chamber’s pressurized booby traps to intrude into all that entered. Of course, this curse is not all surprising considering the lack of respect that the archaeologists used to remove Tut from his Sarcophagus ripping his body from his resting place leaving the brittle bones to fall apart when being transferred.
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
The first royal tombs in the valley were those of Amenhotep I (although this identification is also disputed), and Thutmose I. The burials of the Kings ended with Ramesses X or XI, although non-Royal burials continued in unmarked tombs. Surprisingly, the Valley of the Kings holds only 20 known royals, the rest being family and nobles buried in unmarked pits.
Image by Brooklyn Museum via Flickr
The Valley of the Kings is open to the public, however only 18 tombs can be opened for viewing at different times. The main goal of the tours is to move everyone swiftly through without affecting the general splendor of the tombs. On a normal day there are thousands of visitors traveling to this World Heritage Site, but if you plan on seeing the West Valley, only one tomb is open leading me to believe there is much more left to discover.
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Post CommentChristine Ramsay
On March 31, 2009 at 5:39 am
This is a fascinating subject. I used to cover the Ancient Egyptians with my school pupils in our history lessons. They were always enthralled by the tale of Tutan Khamun. You have researched well. A very good write.
Christine
BC Doan
On March 31, 2009 at 5:53 am
Indeed, this is a fascinating subject! Very informative, and the photos selections are amazing..
Joe Dorish
On March 31, 2009 at 6:25 am
Would love to visit here. I agree with you Lauren that more is left to be discovered.
Reilley
On March 31, 2009 at 6:56 am
A great look at a fascinating subject, very well done!
Melody SJAL
On March 31, 2009 at 8:50 am
Awesome and very interesting.
Kate Smedley
On March 31, 2009 at 9:11 am
Fascinating stuff, I visited the Tutankhamen exhibition in London last year, it was quite unbelievable. Great article thanks.
Peter Cimino
On March 31, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Unbelievabley fascinating! Another winner for you Lauren. Whenever I read your articles I feel like I am going to school! Awesome work as always!
Jo Oliver
On March 31, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Interesting and educational, as always! Stumbled.
Mary Patricia Bird
On March 31, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Must have taken quite a bit of research to come up with this article. Good job!
nobert soloria bermosa
On March 31, 2009 at 5:08 pm
nice sites for a better understanding of the past
valli
On March 31, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Amazing!
Juancav
On March 31, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Fascinating archaeological place.
Edward J Rodrigues
On April 1, 2009 at 12:27 am
beautiful article…very well researched…
Glynis Smy
On April 1, 2009 at 2:13 am
After paying for the weddings I hope to take a day trip from Cyprus, yes I am that close but have never been! It was an interesting article.
papaleng
On April 1, 2009 at 3:57 am
Excellent article , very informative and I really love Egyptology.
Skippy
On April 1, 2009 at 1:42 pm
the step pyramid (of Djoser) you have pictures of is in sakara, not in the valley of kings.
Chris Stonecipher
On April 1, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Excellent article and well researched as always.
Chambo
On April 1, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Would love to visit this place sometime Lauren. Once again a nicely researched and constructed piece.
RJ
Betty Carew
On April 2, 2009 at 7:52 am
I love this stuff Lauren I can’t get enough of this. Thanks for a most excellent article and very informative
Elizabeth
On April 2, 2009 at 5:37 pm
All very amazing. It is truly impressive how they were able to do these things thousands of years ago. Great Article
Shari86
On April 3, 2009 at 4:33 am
Very informative article.
aizjane
On April 3, 2009 at 7:35 am
Nice article. Really amazing. This are ancients history. Thanks
Dianneapril
On April 3, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Loved the photos to accompany the article. Very informative.
CutestPrincess
On April 4, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Well, I see someone has been doing an awful lot of research and studying. Good job!
Patrick Bernauw
On April 6, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Great place if you’re a tourist. On the other hand, if you’re a resident…
Juancav
On April 14, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Fascinating and exciting you never get tired about Egypt ancient history.Great article.
Glynis Smy
On April 15, 2009 at 2:24 am
I am determined to do that day trip, you keep tempting me Lauren! Great article
Debra.
On April 15, 2009 at 4:13 am
Wonderful work and article, Lauren!
Bo Russo
On April 21, 2009 at 2:11 am
Must have taken a little time for this.I could not believe it when I first heard that the Character of the Mummy was real.
M J katz
On May 23, 2009 at 12:00 am
A wonderful article that I could not stop reading. Even now I still want more!
eddiego65
On April 18, 2010 at 9:19 am
Amazing article!