UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Valley of the Kings
Egypt

Valley of the Kings

Rock-cut tombs for Egyptian royalty and nobles

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Valley of the Kings is a renowned archaeological site located on the west bank of the Nile in Egypt, serving as the burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom from the 16th to the 11th centuries BCE. This site is characterized by its rock-cut tombs, which are adorned with intricate murals and inscriptions depicting Egyptian mythology and funerary practices. The valley is divided into the East and West Valleys, with the former containing the majority of royal tombs. The tombs, such as the famous KV5 and KV62, highlight the opulence and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. Despite historical tomb robberies, the site remains a vital source of information about ancient Egyptian civilization and continues to be a focus for archaeological research and exploration.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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First royal tombs

1539 BCE

Construction of KV5

circa 1301 BCE

End of primary burials

1075 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Tombs
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

InscriptionsMurals
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

Egypt

Coordinates

25.74° N, 32.60° E