Valley of the Kings

Perhaps the most famous archaeological site in the world

Arguably the most famous archaeological site in the world, it was in use for c.500 years from 16th to11th centuries BCE with rock-cut tombs for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley is located on the west bank of the Nile opposite Thebes (modern Luxor) in the heart of the Theban Necropolis. The _wadi_ (Arabic for valley) has two valleys: East Valley (where most of the tombs are located) and West Valley (Valley of the monkeys). After a 2005 discovery of a new chamber and in 2008 two additional tomb entrances the valley contains 63 tombs and chambers. It has been the focus of archaeological excavations and Egyptological exploration since the end of 18th century. With the centenary this year without doubt the famous discovery at the site is that of boy-king pharaoh Tutankhamun by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon. Despite the pyramids being the most famous Egyptian monument this age was short-lived and most burials are cut into rock like those in the valley of the kings. Work continues in the valley today with exploration, excavation and conservation all in progress.

**Did you know?** It was designated along with the Theban Necropolis as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979