The Valley of the Kings
Soon
after the defeat of the Hyksos and the reunification of Egypt under
Ahmose I, the Theban rulers realized the need for a new royal necropolis.The
idea of pyramid tombs was abandoned, robberies being one principal
reason. A valley on the west bank was chosen as an appropriate area
where the new tombs could be excavated underneath in the limestone
and protected from ransackers. This valley, presently known as the
Valley of the Kings is under the shadow of impressive cliffs and
the tallest peak, Al Qurn, is shaped naturally as a pyramid. The
area is both attractive for its natural beauty and the sheer quantities
of archaeological wonders discovered there and yet to be found.
The Valley of the Kings was used for royal burials from approximately...
