Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Valley of the Kings is a burial site in ancient Egypt where pharaohs and powerful nobles were laid to rest. It is located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor.
Related terms
Tutankhamun: The famous pharaoh whose tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings, revealing incredible treasures.
Mortuary Temple: A temple built near or connected to a royal tomb, dedicated to honoring and worshiping deceased pharaohs.
Howard Carter: The British archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, sparking worldwide fascination with Egyptian archaeology.