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, used primarily during the New Kingdom period. It served as the royal cemetery for pharaohs and powerful nobles, showcasing the evolution of Egyptian tomb architecture and artistry, particularly in terms of portraiture and funerary practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Valley of the Kings was used as a burial site for 62 tombs, including that of the famous young pharaoh Tutankhamun, showcasing elaborate decoration and complex designs.
2. Tombs in the Valley of the Kings were often hidden or camouflaged to protect them from tomb robbers, reflecting a shift in burial practices from grand pyramids to more secretive locations.
3. The wall paintings within these tombs are significant for understanding the evolution of Egyptian portraiture, displaying greater realism and detail compared to earlier periods.
4. Royal tombs contained not only mummies but also an array of grave goods, such as jewelry and household items, intended to aid the deceased in their journey in the afterlife.
5. The discovery of the Valley of the Kings in the early 20th century by archaeologists opened new avenues for studying ancient Egyptian culture and its beliefs regarding death and the afterlife.

Review Questions

• How did the architectural design and decoration of tombs in the Valley of the Kings reflect changes in Egyptian portraiture?
  • The architectural design of tombs in the Valley of the Kings marked a significant shift from earlier pyramid structures. The intricate decorations and wall paintings found inside these tombs exhibit advancements in artistic techniques, showcasing a more realistic portrayal of figures compared to previous styles. This evolution highlights not only changes in artistic expression but also an increased emphasis on individual identity and status during the New Kingdom.
• Discuss how burial practices in the Valley of the Kings contrast with those of earlier periods in ancient Egypt.
  • Burial practices in the Valley of the Kings represented a departure from earlier traditions that favored large pyramids as burial sites. Instead, New Kingdom rulers chose hidden tombs carved into rock faces to protect their final resting places from theft. This change also reflects evolving beliefs about death and the afterlife, as treasures were still included but were often hidden to reduce risk from robbers. The decorations within these tombs further emphasize personal narratives and achievements rather than just royal lineage.
• Evaluate the impact of discoveries made in the Valley of the Kings on our understanding of ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and afterlife.
  • Discoveries in the Valley of the Kings have profoundly impacted our understanding of ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. The elaborate designs, rich grave goods, and detailed wall paintings found within these tombs reveal that Egyptians viewed death not as an end but as a transition to another realm. This perspective is underscored by items like canopic jars for mummified remains and inscribed spells aimed at guiding souls through challenges in the afterlife. Such findings have provided valuable insights into their spiritual practices and social structures.

Related terms

Tomb: A burial structure that holds the remains of deceased individuals, often richly decorated with paintings and inscriptions meant to assist the dead in the afterlife.

Ankh: An ancient Egyptian symbol representing life, often depicted in art and inscriptions found within tombs to signify eternal existence.

Mummification: The process of preserving a body after death, crucial in ancient Egyptian funerary customs to ensure safe passage into the afterlife.