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Where Is the Valley of the Kings?

HistoryArchaeology

Quick Answer

The Valley of the Kings is on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor (ancient Thebes) in southern Egypt.

The Full Story

The Valley of the Kings lies in the limestone hills west of the Nile, opposite the ancient city of Thebes (modern Luxor) in Upper Egypt. For nearly 500 years during the New Kingdom period (c. 1539-1075 BC), pharaohs chose this remote desert valley as their burial ground, abandoning the pyramid tradition in favour of hidden rock-cut tombs to deter grave robbers. The valley contains 65 known tombs and chambers, including those of Tutankhamun (KV62, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922), Ramesses II, Seti I, and Thutmose III. Despite the precaution, nearly all tombs were plundered in antiquity; Tutankhamun was a rare exception.

Key Facts

1.Howard Carter discovery of Tutankhamun nearly intact tomb in 1922 is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds in history.
2.The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is the largest and most elaborately decorated in the valley.
3.The "curse of the pharaohs" legend arose after Lord Carnarvon (Carter sponsor) died shortly after the tomb opening, but the deaths were coincidental.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The Valley of the Kings — Where Egypt Pharaohs Were Hidden"