The Valley of the Kings has been a royal burial complex for almost 500 years. The official name for the site in ancient times was The Great and Majestic Necropolis of the Millions of Years of the Pharaoh, Life, Strength, Health in The West of Thebes. Or also, Ta-sekhet-ma’at (the Great Field). The first tomb discovered was of pharaoh Ramses VII designated KV1 Most of the tombs of the Valley of the Kings are not open to the public. Researchers state that the quality of the rock in the Valley is quite inconsistent, ranging from finely grained to coarse stone. Builders took advantage of available geological features when constructing the tombs; due to the lack of specific tools, the builders had to look out for any advantage that could help them achieve their goal. The peak of al-Qurn which watches over the valley is an iconic feature of the region; the tomb police, known as the Medjay, watched over the valley from this location. The tomb of Akhenaten was origi...

The Valley was used for primary burials from approximately 1539 BC to 1075 BC, and contains some 60 tombs, starting with Thutmose I and ending with Ramesses X or XI   On February 8, 2006, American archaeologists uncovered a pharaonic-era tomb (KV63), the first uncovered there since King Tutankhamen in 1922. The 18th Dynasty tomb included five mummies in intact sarcophagi with colored funerary masks along with more than 20 large storage jars, sealed with pharaonic seals As can be seen, from reference to the Map below, the  excavation in the area between tombs KV. 9 (Ramesses V/VI) & KV. 57 (Horemheb), along the northern side of the spur leading from the Valley centre to KV. 35 (Amunhetep II). As tombs, KV. 56 (The Gold Tomb) & KV. 57 lie within this area it has been decided that clearance & recording of them should also be undertaken by the current excavations Although the area currently under investigation is quite small, being easily walked from end to ...

  The authorities in Luxor are preparing to open the ancient royal tombs, located west of the city, for tourists at night, for the first time in history.   Luxor Governor Mohamed Badr  said the authorities are coordinating with the Antiquities Ministry in order to provide appropriate lighting and open the sites ahead of the start of the tourist season in October. The project is aimed at diversifying the offer of tourist attractions in Luxor and at avoiding the high daytime temperatures. It will also take advantage of the Al-Qama mountain lighting project, which cost LE 56 million.    Speaking to the German news agency DPA, Badr added that the historic Madamod temple, located northeast of the city, might also soon be open for tourists.