The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites and the eternal resting place of many great pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor (ancient Thebes), this ancient burial ground became legendary when Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) in 1922.
But the valley is more than a burial site—it is a world of mystery filled with treasures, mummies, myths, robbery, destruction, and rediscovery.
History and Formation
During the 18th Dynasty (around 1500 BC), Egypt’s kings chose this valley to serve as their burial place. The secluded desert location offered protection, while the surrounding cliffs gave it a sacred and monumental atmosphere. Over time, the valley grew into the most important royal necropolis in Egypt.
To date, 65 tombs have been discovered in the valley, though archaeologists believe this represents only a fraction of what lies hidden beneath the sands. Each tomb is numbered KV (Kings Valley) 1, 2, 3, etc., in order of discovery.
Why This Location Was Chosen
The Valley of the Kings was carefully selected for several reasons:
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Its natural pyramid-shaped peak symbolized sacred power.
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It was far enough from the Nile to avoid destruction by floods.
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The cliffs provided both concealment and natural protection.
To ordinary ancient Egyptians, the valley remained a mysterious place beyond the horizon—home to the magnificent hidden tombs of their rulers.
The Purpose of the Tombs
Tombs in the valley were designed for one sacred purpose: to ensure the safe passage of the pharaoh into the afterlife.
The kings believed that through mummification, golden coffins, funerary spells, and magical rituals, they would be reborn and take their place among the gods. Each tomb was decorated with texts and images to guide the soul on its journey, protecting the pharaoh for eternity.
The First Tombs
The first pharaoh to be buried here was Thutmose I. His architects carefully tested the rock of the cliffs before excavation, ensuring the tombs could be carved deep into the mountain without collapse. Once the location was approved, teams of workers began constructing what would become the Valley of the Kings.
Grave Robbery
Despite the valley’s remote location, most tombs were eventually looted. Of the 65 tombs, 64 were robbed in antiquity—sometimes even by the very workers who built them, especially during times of famine and hardship.
The only tomb discovered intact was that of King Tutankhamun (KV62), uncovered by Howard Carter in 1922, which remains the most spectacular archaeological find of the 20th century.
Traveler’s Tip: Exploring the Valley of the Kings with a licensed guide brings the ancient stories of Egypt’s pharaohs to life, revealing the meaning behind the hieroglyphs, burial rituals, and the legends of this sacred necropolis.