Amazing Tombs of the Pharaohs
Nile Valley, Egypt
Descending the painted passageways leading deep underground into the tombs of the pharaohs is a highlight of any visit to Luxor. To date around 60 or so tombs have been discovered in the Valley of the Kings, the 3,500-year old necropolis of Egypt’s pharaoh, with many more believed to exist. Each one is different, many in an excellent state of preservation, their walls painted with scenes of Egyptian life and with colours almost as fresh today as they were the day they were painted.
Background
The Valley of the Kings lies on the west bank of the Nile opposite Luxor, ancient Thebes. 3,500 years ago the valley was chosen as the resting place of Tuthmosis I in 1512 BCE and dozens of pharaoh’s followed him.
The remote valley was thought to keep the tombs safe from tomb-raiders, but this was not the case with almost all looted at some time in the past. The robbers took the items of value, leaving the walls undamaged and in many cases the tombs are in a remarkable state of preservation.
Usually a doorway in the shingle or rock of the valley wall leads down what would have been a stone path or steps into a passageway painted with scenes of everyday life, moments in the pharaoh’s reign or with scenes from the Book of the Dead. Off this passageway are separate rooms and galleries, again similarly decorated before you enter the final burial chamber and it’s ceiling of stars.