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, used for pharaohs and powerful nobles during the New Kingdom period. This area is known for its royal tombs, which were elaborately decorated with paintings and inscriptions that reflect the beliefs and practices surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. It serves as a critical archaeological site that sheds light on New Kingdom art and the historical context of ancient Egyptian dynasties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Valley of the Kings contains over 60 tombs, including those of many famous pharaohs from the 18th to 20th dynasties, demonstrating the shift from pyramid burials to hidden tombs.
2. The tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) is one of the most famous discoveries in this valley, largely due to its richness and the minimal looting it suffered before its discovery.
3. The tombs in this valley were strategically located to avoid grave robbers and were often hidden within a complex network of cliffs and valleys.
4. Decorative elements in the tombs, including hieroglyphics and paintings, served both a decorative and functional purpose, helping guide the deceased through their journey in the afterlife.
5. The Valley of the Kings reflects significant developments in burial practices and royal art during the New Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of life after death in ancient Egyptian culture.

Review Questions

• How did the construction and design of tombs in the Valley of the Kings reflect the beliefs about the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture?
  • Tombs in the Valley of the Kings were designed with elaborate decorations and inscriptions that emphasized beliefs surrounding death and resurrection. The art depicted scenes of daily life, rituals, and deities that were thought to aid the deceased in their journey to the afterlife. The careful planning and construction reflect a deep reverence for what came after death, showcasing how central these beliefs were to royal identity during the New Kingdom.
• Discuss how discoveries in the Valley of the Kings have influenced our understanding of New Kingdom art and architecture.
  • Findings in the Valley of the Kings have provided invaluable insights into New Kingdom art and architecture by revealing complex burial designs and rich artistic traditions. The artistry found within these tombs illustrates not only aesthetic preferences but also religious beliefs. The intricate paintings and carvings have helped historians identify stylistic developments over time, showing how art evolved alongside changing cultural values in ancient Egypt.
• Evaluate how the practices surrounding burial in the Valley of the Kings differed from earlier dynastic practices, particularly regarding security measures against tomb robbers.
  • Burial practices in the Valley of the Kings marked a significant departure from earlier dynastic methods, such as pyramid burials. The choice to use hidden rock-cut tombs was a strategic response to rampant grave robbing that had plagued earlier royal sepulchers. This shift not only illustrates changing security measures but also reflects evolving views on immortality and preservation. By prioritizing secrecy and accessibility, ancient Egyptians adapted their funerary practices to ensure that pharaohs could transition peacefully into the afterlife without interference.

Related terms

Mummification:

The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving the body after death through embalming, aimed at ensuring a safe passage to the afterlife.

Tutankhamun: A young pharaoh of the 18th dynasty whose nearly intact tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, revealing significant artifacts and treasures.

Tomb Paintings: Artistic representations found within tombs that illustrate scenes from daily life, religious rituals, and funerary beliefs, meant to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.