Valley of the Kings

Definition

The Valley of the Kings is a burial site in Egypt, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor. It served as the royal necropolis for the pharaohs during the New Kingdom period, from the 16th to the 11th centuries BCE. This area is renowned for its numerous tombs, including that of Tutankhamun, which were designed to ensure a safe passage to the afterlife and reflect the wealth and power of ancient Egyptian rulers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Valley of the Kings contains over 60 known tombs, primarily belonging to pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom.
2. Howard Carter's excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 revealed an unprecedented collection of artifacts, making it one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.
3. The tombs in the Valley were strategically hidden in rugged terrain to deter grave robbers, although many were still plundered over time.
4. Each tomb was intricately decorated with hieroglyphics and paintings that depicted scenes from mythology and the afterlife, reflecting the beliefs and values of ancient Egyptians.
5. The Valley was used as a royal burial site from approximately 1539 BCE until around 1075 BCE, marking a significant shift from earlier burial practices that involved pyramid construction.

Review Questions

• How did Howard Carter's discovery of the Valley of the Kings impact our understanding of ancient Egyptian burial practices?
  • Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices. The wealth of artifacts found within the tomb illustrated how pharaohs were prepared for the afterlife, showcasing items used in daily life as well as ceremonial objects. The detailed decorations and hieroglyphics also revealed religious beliefs and customs surrounding death and resurrection, enhancing our knowledge about this remarkable civilization.
• Discuss the significance of the Valley of the Kings in relation to royal power during the New Kingdom period.
  • The Valley of the Kings was significant as it served as a royal burial ground for pharaohs during a time when Egypt was at its height in terms of wealth and power. The choice to bury pharaohs in hidden tombs rather than pyramids reflected a shift in their funerary practices aimed at protecting these sacred sites from grave robbers. This decision highlighted not only their concerns for preserving royal legacies but also demonstrated their belief in an afterlife where their status would be maintained beyond death.
• Evaluate the archaeological importance of the Valley of the Kings in understanding ancient Egyptian society and its beliefs.
  • The Valley of the Kings is crucial for evaluating ancient Egyptian society because it serves as a key source of information on their religious beliefs, social hierarchy, and cultural practices. The extensive wall paintings, hieroglyphics, and artifacts found within these tombs provide insights into how they viewed life after death and their relationship with deities. Furthermore, studying these findings helps archaeologists understand the political dynamics and wealth distribution among rulers and nobles during the New Kingdom, allowing for a more comprehensive picture of this influential civilization.

Related terms

Tutankhamun: A young pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled during the 18th Dynasty and is famous for his richly furnished tomb discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.

Mummification:

The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving bodies for the afterlife, which involved removing internal organs and treating the body with preservatives.

New Kingdom: A period in ancient Egyptian history from around 1550 to 1070 BCE, known for its wealth, power, and monumental architecture, including the construction of temples and tombs.