Located in the region of Thebes, on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings is an emblematic archaeological site of ancient Egypt, where the pharaohs of New Empire (18e à 20th dynasty) chose to erect their royal tombs.
Historical context
During the New Kingdom, the pharaohs decided to build their tombs in the Valley of the Kings to protect themselves from the looting and desecration that threatened the pyramids and other funerary monuments of theFormer and Middle Kingdom. They hoped to ensure the continuity of their memory and preserve their passage to the afterlife.
Architecture and decoration of tombs
With more than 60 tombs discovered to date, the Valley of the Kings bears witness to the grandeur and wealth of ancient Egypt, refined funerary art and complex beliefs in the afterlife. The tombs in the Valley of the Kings have varied architectural and decorative features, such as:
- Funeral chambers : The tombs are composed of several funerary chambers, dug into the rock and connected by narrow and winding corridors. These chambers housed the pharaoh's sarcophagus and his funerary treasures, as well as chapels and shrines for funerary rituals.
- Murals : The walls of the tombs are decorated with murals depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology, funerary rituals and sacred texts. These works of art testify to the talent of Egyptian artists and the importance given to religious beliefs in funerary culture.
Notable tombs to visit
Among the many tombs in the Valley of the Kings, some stand out for their history, their architecture or their decoration:
- Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) : The tomb of Tutankhamun, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in XXe century, is famous for the priceless treasures it contained, including the solid gold funerary mask of the young pharaoh.
- Tomb of Ramses VI (KV9) : This tomb is notable for its well-preserved wall paintings, depicting scenes from the Book of Gates and the Book of Caves, as well as portraits of the pharaoh Ramses VI.
- Tomb of Horemheb (KV57) : The tomb of Horemheb, the last pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, features intricately carved bas-reliefs and wall paintings illustrating scenes of daily life and funerary rituals.
Average temperatures and climate
Month | (° C) | (° F) | Weather | Climate |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 15 | 59 | ☀️ | Sec |
February | 17 | 63 | ☀️ | Sec |
Mars | 22 | 72 | ☀️ | Sec |
April | 28 | 82 | ☀️ | Sec |
May | 33 | 91 | ☀️ | Sec |
June | 36 | 97 | ☀️ | Sec |
July | 37 | 99 | ☀️ | Sec |
August | 37 | 99 | ☀️ | Sec |
September | 34 | 93 | ☀️ | Sec |
October | 30 | 86 | ☀️ | Sec |
November | 24 | 75 | ☀️ | Sec |
December | 18 | 64 | ☀️ | Sec |
Schedules and info
Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. (may vary depending on the season)
Entrance fee: EGP 240 for general admission (includes access to 3 tombs)
Average price of a guide: 250 to 350 EGP
Other archaeological sites
Philae |
Edfu |