Valley of the Kings

Definition

The Valley of the Kings is a burial site located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, Egypt, where many pharaohs and powerful nobles from the New Kingdom were interred. This site served as a royal cemetery from around 1539 to 1075 BCE and reflects the ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife, showcasing their intricate burial practices and architectural achievements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Valley of the Kings contains over 60 tombs, including that of the famous Pharaoh Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered in 1922 nearly intact.
2. Tombs in the Valley were designed to protect the bodies and grave goods from tomb robbers, with complex entrances and hidden chambers.
3. The walls of many tombs are adorned with elaborate paintings and inscriptions that depict scenes from mythology and offer guidance for the afterlife.
4. The site was primarily used during the New Kingdom period (approximately 1550-1070 BCE) when pharaohs sought more secure burial places away from the pyramids.
5. Despite efforts to safeguard them, many tombs in the Valley of the Kings were robbed over the centuries, leading to the loss of valuable artifacts.

Review Questions

• How does the Valley of the Kings reflect the beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptian society regarding death and the afterlife?
  • The Valley of the Kings is a clear representation of ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. The careful planning and construction of tombs indicate a strong emphasis on preserving the body for eternity and ensuring a successful journey into the afterlife. The rich decorations and hieroglyphics found within these tombs reveal how Egyptians viewed life after death as a continuation of existence, where offerings and protection were deemed necessary for their deceased rulers.
• Discuss how mummification practices relate to the burial customs observed in the Valley of the Kings.
  • Mummification practices are directly tied to the burial customs seen in the Valley of the Kings. The process was essential for preparing pharaohs and nobles for their afterlife, as it preserved their bodies for eternity. In these royal tombs, mummies were laid to rest alongside numerous grave goods that would be needed in the afterlife. This relationship illustrates how deeply ingrained beliefs about immortality shaped both mummification processes and burial traditions in this significant location.
• Evaluate the significance of tomb decorations and inscriptions in conveying cultural values within the context of royal burials in ancient Egypt.
  • Tomb decorations and inscriptions in the Valley of the Kings serve as crucial artifacts that reflect cultural values and religious beliefs of ancient Egyptian society. They illustrate how art was not only an aesthetic component but also a means of communicating important narratives related to mythology, morality, and spirituality. These visual representations guided pharaohs through their afterlife journey while simultaneously emphasizing societal norms regarding death, power, and divine connection. The study of these decorations helps historians understand how ancient Egyptians honored their rulers while reinforcing their beliefs about life beyond death.

Related terms

Mummification: The process of preserving a body after death in ancient Egypt, which involved removing internal organs and treating the body with oils and resins to prevent decay.

Anubis: The ancient Egyptian god associated with mummification and the afterlife, often depicted as a jackal or as a man with a jackal's head.

Hieroglyphics: The writing system used by ancient Egyptians that employed symbols and pictures to represent sounds, words, or ideas, often found in tombs and temples.