Valley of the Kings contains 64 tombs from New Kingdom Egypt. Ancient Egyptians called it the 'great and magnificent Necropolis' with tombs facing east toward rebirth 64 tombs and 4 tomb pits have been found belonging to pharaohs, queens, princes, nobles, and sacred bulls Eocene limestone and marl bedrock hardens when exposed to air, creating natural construction conditions
Ancient Egyptians called the Valley of the Kings the "great and majestic Necropolis" with tombs facing east toward rebirth. 64 tombs and 4 tomb pits have been found, belonging to pharaohs, queens, princes, nobles, and sacred bulls. John Gardner Wilkinson established the numbering system during the 1820s first scientific investigation. Modern DNA analysis has helped determine familial relationships 🏛️
Key Facts
- Ancient Egyptians called it the 'great and magnificent Necropolis' with tombs facing east toward rebirth
- 64 tombs and 4 tomb pits have been found belonging to pharaohs, queens, princes, nobles, and sacred bulls
- Eocene limestone and marl bedrock hardens when exposed to air, creating natural construction conditions
- Impermeable Etruscan shale beneath the limestone has preserved artifacts despite average rainfall of 1mm per year
- Religious texts found in tombs include the Amduat, Book of Gates, and Book of the Dead
- Napoleon's Egyptian expedition 1798-1801 conducted the first known survey of the valley
- John Gardner Wilkinson conducted the first formal scientific investigation in the 1820s and established the tomb numbering system still used today
- Tombs have been discovered as recently as 2011
- Modern DNA analysis has helped determine familial lineage of those buried here
Related site: Valley of the Kings — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Exploring Egypt’s Most Looted Ancient Tombs (Valley of the Kings) by Wandering Wolf