The Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a famous place in Egypt. It is a dry valley with tall cliffs and rocky hills. For about 500 years, pharaohs and other important people were buried there. Their tombs were cut deep into the rock. More than 60 tombs have been found in the valley so far.

Hidden Tombs

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings were hidden on purpose. The pharaohs did not want robbers to find their treasures. Workers dug long tunnels into the rocky hills. They filled the rooms with gold, jewelry, and food for the afterlife. The walls were covered with beautiful paintings of gods and stories.

Famous Discoveries

The most famous tomb in the valley belongs to King Tut. It was found in 1922 by a man named Howard Carter. The tomb was full of amazing gold treasures. It was one of the only tombs that had not been robbed. People all over the world were excited by the discovery.

Fun Facts

• The Valley of the Kings has two parts, an east valley and a west valley.
• Some tombs are more than 500 feet long.
• Ramses the Great and his many sons were also buried in the valley.

Did You Know?

Workers who built the tombs lived in a nearby village called Deir el-Medina, and their houses and notes tell us a lot about daily life in ancient Egypt.