Located in the region of Thebes, on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Nobles is a major archaeological site of ancient Egypt, dedicated to the tombs of high officials and dignitaries of the New Empire (18e à 20th dynasty).
History and background
The Valley of the Nobles served as a necropolis for high officials and dignitaries who served the pharaohs during the New Empire. These influential people were buried in tombs carved into the rock, not far from the royal funerary complexes of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
Architecture and decoration of tombs
With over 400 tombs, the Valley of the Nobles reveals the fascinating story of those who served the pharaohs and offers insight into the daily life, religious beliefs and burial practices of Egypt's elite.
- Murals : The tombs of the Valley of the Nobles are decorated with magnificent murals which represent scenes of daily life, religious rituals and funeral ceremonies. These paintings offer a unique insight into Egyptian society at the time and testify to the artistic richness of Egyptian civilization.
- Hieroglyphic inscriptions : The walls of the tombs are also covered with hieroglyphic inscriptions which recount the life and exploits of the deceased, as well as prayers and magic formulas intended to protect them in the afterlife. These inscriptions are a valuable source of information about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.
Notable tombs to visit
Among the many tombs in the Valley of the Nobles, some stand out for their architecture, their decoration or their history:
- Tomb of Ramose (TT55) : The tomb of Ramose, governor of Thebes and vizier during the reign of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten, is famous for its finely carved bas-reliefs and well-preserved wall paintings.
- Tomb of Sennefer (TT96) : Sennefer, mayor of Thebes during the reign ofAmenhotep II, left a remarkable tomb, nicknamed “the Sistine Chapel of Egypt” because of its ceilings richly decorated with motifs of vines and bunches of grapes.
- Tomb of Nakht (TT52) : The tomb of Nakht, an astronomer and scribe of the temple of Amun-Re, presents lively and colorful murals depicting scenes of daily life, banquets and religious ceremonies.
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 100 for general admission (includes access to 2 tombs)
Average price of a guide: 250 to 350 EGP
Other archaeological sites
Philae |
Edfu |