Valley of the Kings

For nearly 500 years, from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were excavated into the rock of the Valley of the Kings for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. Unlike the prominent pyramids of the Old Kingdom, these tombs were hidden deep underground to protect the royal mummies and their treasures from grave robbers. The most celebrated discovery here occurred in 1922 when Howard Carter unearthed the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), revealing a staggering collection of over 5,000 artifacts, including the iconic gold death mask. Visitors today can descend into several of these tombs, where the dry desert air has preserved vivid wall paintings and intricate hieroglyphs that depict the pharaoh's journey through the underworld, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and artistic mastery of ancient Egypt.