Tour the Valley of the Queens


Valley of the Queens, Egypt

The Valley of the Queens stands as a dedication to the powerful female rulers of ancient Egypt and preserves their glory and majesty for visitors today.


What is it?


The Queens Valley, is located near Luxor in Egypt and complements the Valley of the Kings, in that it is the burial place of the wives of Pharaoh.


Ta-Set-Neferu


In ancient days, this valley was called Ta-Set-Neferu, which literally means “the place of the Children of the Pharaoh.” This is because queens of the Pharaoh, as well as princes, princesses and other members of royal families were buried together. This was mostly practiced between the 18th and 20th Dynasties. The tombs of the dead were to be maintained by mortuary priests that would attend to the bodies on a daily basis and also offer prayers for the deceased.


The West Bank of the Nile


Like the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens is located on the west bank of the Nile across from Ancient Thebes, or what is more commonly known today as Luxor. Why was this area chosen as an eternal resting place for the Pharaoh’s most beloved? Probably because it was close to the capital of Egypt, even though it was an isolated area in its own right. Pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty forgo the designs of traditional pyramids because of the threat of tomb robbers. Instead, they felt a rock-cut tomb would be a safer place for burial.

The Theban Necropolis holds over 70 tombs, many of which were once stylish and luxuriously ornamented. Some of these tombs have endured through time, for instance, Queen Nefertari of the 19th Dynasty, which still boasts some sculptures made of polychrome.


Who are Buried in Queens Valley?


Who are some of the Egyptian wives, sons and daughters buried in Queens Valley? Among many others, there is Princess Tanedjmet, princesses Merytre and Wermeryotes, Queen Sitre, the wife of Ramesses I, Pa-ra-her-unemef, the son of Ramesses III, Imhotep, the vizier under Thutmose I and Queen Henuttawy.

There are also numerous fragments of burial equipment located in the valley, which leads historians to believe that many others may have been buried in the tombs besides those we already know. For example, the name of the King's Great Wife Nebetnehat of the 18th Dynasty was enclosed in a cartouche on some surviving fragments. The Tomb of Queent Titi (the 52nd tomb) is particularly interesting, as she is shown with youthful side locks and in the presence of Gods Thoth, Atum, Isis and Nephthys. The same queen is also shown making offerings to Hathor, Osiris and Selquit.

The Valley of the Queens is an important tourist destination, along with the Valley of the Kings. It is one of Egypt’s most well known and most enjoyable tourist destinations and should be included in your Luxor tour.



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