Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings, known to ancient Egyptians as 'The Great and Majestic Necropolis', served as the royal burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (1550-1077 BCE). Located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, the valley contains 63 discovered tombs, ranging from simple pits to complex tombs with over 120 chambers. The most famous discovery was Tutankhamun's intact tomb (KV62) in 1922. The valley's geology - limestone ideal for carving - and its hidden location made it perfect for protecting royal mummies and their treasures. Recent radar scans suggest more undiscovered tombs may still lie hidden.