The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Ancient Egyptian Tombs

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most iconic and well-known archaeological sites in the world. Located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt, the Valley of the Kings was the burial ground for the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC). Over a period of 500 years, more than 60 tombs were constructed in the Valley of the Kings, including some of the most famous and well-preserved tombs in Egypt, such as the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings (Oxford Handbooks)

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The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to these ancient Egyptian tombs. This handbook provides a detailed overview of the history, architecture, and decoration of these tombs, as well as the artifacts and mummies that have been found within them. The handbook is written by a team of leading scholars in the field of Egyptology, and it is illustrated with over 200 color photographs and drawings.

History of the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings was first used as a royal burial ground during the reign of Thutmose I (1504-1493 BC). Thutmose I's tomb was the first to be constructed in the Valley of the Kings, and it set the pattern for the tombs that would be built there for the next 500 years.

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are all cut into the rock face, and they are typically composed of a series of chambers and corridors. The most important chamber in the tomb is the burial chamber, which contains the sarcophagus of the pharaoh. The burial chamber is often decorated with scenes from the Book of the Dead, which was a collection of spells and incantations that were believed to help the pharaoh navigate the afterlife.

In addition to the burial chamber, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings also contain a number of other chambers, such as the treasury, the storeroom, and the chapel. The treasury contained the pharaoh's funerary goods, such as jewelry, furniture, and clothing. The storeroom contained food and other supplies that the pharaoh would need in the afterlife. The chapel was used for religious rituals and ceremonies.

The Valley of the Kings was used as a royal burial ground for over 500 years, and during this time more than 60 tombs were constructed. However, the Valley of the Kings was eventually abandoned as a royal burial ground during the reign of Ramesses IX (1129-1111 BC). Ramesses IX was the last pharaoh to be buried in the Valley of the Kings, and after his death the pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Queens or in the royal tombs at Tanis.

Architecture and Decoration of the Tombs

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are all cut into the rock face, and they are typically composed of a series of chambers and corridors. The most important chamber in the tomb is the burial chamber, which contains the sarcophagus of the pharaoh. The burial chamber is often decorated with scenes from the Book of the Dead, which was a collection of spells and incantations that were believed to help the pharaoh navigate the afterlife.

In addition to the burial chamber, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings also contain a number of other chambers, such as the treasury, the storeroom, and the chapel. The treasury contained the pharaoh's funerary goods, such as jewelry, furniture, and clothing. The storeroom contained food and other supplies that the pharaoh would need in the afterlife. The chapel was used for religious rituals and ceremonies.

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are decorated with a variety of paintings and reliefs. These paintings and reliefs depict scenes from the pharaoh's life and reign, as well as scenes from the Book of the Dead. The paintings and reliefs are often very detailed and colorful, and they provide a valuable insight into the beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians.

Artifacts and Mummies from the Tombs

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings have yielded a wealth of artifacts and mummies. These artifacts include jewelry, furniture, clothing, food, and weapons. The mummies of the pharaohs and their families have also been found in the tombs.

The artifacts from the tombs in the Valley of the Kings provide a valuable insight into the material culture of the ancient Egyptians. The jewelry, furniture, and clothing found in the tombs are all of a very high quality, and they demonstrate the wealth and power of the pharaohs. The food and weapons found in the tombs provide information about the diet and military practices of the ancient Egyptians.

The mummies of the pharaohs and their families provide a unique opportunity to study the physical appearance and health of the ancient Egyptians. The mummies have been preserved in a remarkable state of condition, and they provide valuable information about the age, sex, and health of the pharaohs. The mummies have also been studied to learn about the diseases and injuries that the pharaohs suffered from.

The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings

The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the ancient Egyptian tombs located in the Valley of the Kings. This handbook provides a detailed overview of the history, architecture, and decoration of these tombs, as well as the artifacts and mummies that have been found within them. The handbook is written by a team of leading scholars in the field of Egyptology, and it is illustrated with over 200 color photographs and drawings.

The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings is an essential resource for anyone who is interested in the Valley of the Kings or in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology. This handbook provides a wealth of information about these fascinating tombs, and it is a valuable addition to any library on ancient Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most iconic and well-known archaeological sites in the world. The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are a testament to the wealth and power of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, and they provide a valuable insight into the beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians. The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to these ancient Egyptian tombs, and it is an essential resource for anyone who is interested in the Valley of the Kings or in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology.

The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings (Oxford Handbooks)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	93506 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	627 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE