Valley of the Kings

Definition

The Valley of the Kings is a burial site located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt, primarily used during the New Kingdom period for the interment of pharaohs and powerful nobles. This site features over 60 tombs, including that of the famous King Tutankhamun, and reflects the ancient Egyptians' beliefs in the afterlife, showcasing elaborate tomb paintings and intricate funerary practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Valley of the Kings served as the primary burial ground for pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th Dynasties during the New Kingdom.
2. Tombs in the Valley were designed to be hidden and protected from grave robbers, with complex layouts including multiple chambers and intricate hieroglyphics.
3. King Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, providing invaluable insight into New Kingdom burial customs and artifacts.
4. Many tombs are decorated with vivid wall paintings depicting scenes from the Book of the Dead and other texts aimed at guiding the deceased through the afterlife.
5. The choice of location was significant; it was thought that being buried near the Valley would ensure a successful journey to the afterlife, reflecting ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and rebirth.

Review Questions

• Discuss how the architectural features of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings reflect ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.
  • The architectural features of tombs in the Valley of the Kings are deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian beliefs regarding the afterlife. The elaborate designs often include multiple chambers filled with goods intended for use in the next world, along with wall paintings that illustrate scenes meant to guide and protect the deceased. These features demonstrate a strong belief in life after death, where pharaohs were thought to require specific items and knowledge to ensure their survival in another realm.
• Evaluate the significance of King Tutankhamun's tomb discovery in understanding New Kingdom burial practices.
  • The discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb has had a profound impact on our understanding of New Kingdom burial practices. Unlike many other royal tombs that had been looted, Tutankhamun's tomb was largely intact, revealing a wealth of artifacts that reflected both his status as a pharaoh and the customs surrounding death and burial during this period. Items found within the tomb provided insights into religious beliefs, daily life, and artistic styles of ancient Egypt, marking it as one of archaeology's most significant finds.
• Analyze how burial practices in the Valley of the Kings reflect broader social and political structures in ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom.
  • Burial practices in the Valley of the Kings highlight essential aspects of social hierarchy and political power within ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom. The exclusivity of being buried there was reserved for pharaohs and elite nobles, illustrating a clear division between social classes. The grandeur and complexity of these tombs not only demonstrated wealth but also reinforced the divine nature of kingship, as rulers were believed to be intermediaries between gods and humans. Consequently, these practices encapsulated both religious beliefs and the political ideology that underpinned ancient Egyptian society.

Related terms

Mummification:

The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving a body after death to prepare it for the afterlife, ensuring that it could be recognized by the soul.

Ankh: An ancient Egyptian symbol representing life and immortality, often depicted in tomb art and associated with various deities.

Osiris:

The ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife, resurrection, and regeneration, who played a significant role in the beliefs surrounding death and burial practices.