Valley of the Queens
Where Pharaohs’ Wives Were Buried
The Valley of the Queens is a necropolis situated in the southern part of West Thebes, southwest of the village and temple of Medinet Habu. It built as a burial place for the wives and children of New Kingdom pharaohs. The valley is easily recognizable as a large asymmetrical indentation in the western cliffs. It features a waterfall preceded by a dam that still receives the waters of torrential rains that occasionally fall in the desert. The ancient Egyptians considered the valley as a place where the (water of heaven) had left significant traces.
In Arabic, the valley has been called by various toponyms such as Biban el-Hajj Ahmed, Biban el-Banat, Biban el-Harim, and Biban el-Melekat or Wadi el-Melekat, the “Doors or Valley of the Queens”, which is now commonly used.
About ninety tombs, including unfinished ones, have been numbered in the main valley. In addition, there are other valleys in the area such as the Valley of the Dolmen, Valley of the Three Pits, Valley of the Rope, and Valley of Prince Ahmose. These areas have various tombs, pits, and cells used by Coptic anchorites and hermits.
More than 100 tombs survive in the Valley of the Queens
Luxor Tours & Activities
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The Location of Valley of the Queens
Tombs in the Valley of the Queens
In 1903–5, the valley became the subject of systematic investigation by the Italian archaeological mission. This work led to the discovery of the tomb of Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II, as well as of the tombs of the princes Amenherkhopshef, Khaemwaset, and Sethherkhopshef, all sons of Ramesses III. The Italian mission also cleared the 18th Dynasty pit tombs of the Vizier Imhotep, Princess Ahmose, Chief of the Stables Nebiri, and Prince Ahmose.
The first remains from the Valley of the Queens date to the beginning of the 18th Dynasty. Pit tombs dug into the mountain attested from the reigns of Tuthmose I, Tuthmose II, Hatshepsut, Tuthmose III, Amenhotep II, Amenhotep III, and even Akhenaten. These tombs have one or several burial chambers with finished but undecorated walls.
In the Ramesside period, the valley became a pendant to the Valley of the Kings. Tombs from this period were prepared by the Deir el-Medina workmen. In contrast with the simplicity of the 18th Dynasty tombs, those of the 19th Dynasty have real rooms with decorated walls. The iconographical themes and texts are mainly inspired by the Book of the Dead.
Ramesses II chose the northern slope of the main valley for the “houses of eternity” for his mother, Queen Tuy, his wife, Queen Nefertari, and some of his daughters. This valley also features a village built in the reign of Ramesses II where workmen from Deir el-Medina lived while working on the royal and princely tombs.
In the reign of Ramesses III, tombs were dug in the lower parts of the southwestern slope of the main valley and at the far end of the southern lateral branch. From this reign date princely sepulchers for Amenherkhopshef, Ramesses-Meriamen, Khaemwaset, and many others.
It is the second great royal cemetery after the famous Valley of the Kings
Famous Tombs in the Valley of the Queens
| Tomb Number | Name of Tomb Owner | Time Period/ Dynasty |
|---|---|---|
|
QV8 |
Prince Hori and Princess a King’s Daughter |
18 |
|
QV17 |
Princesses Merytre and Wermeryotes |
18 |
|
QV30 |
Tomb Nebiri |
18 |
|
QV31 |
Queen Anonymous till now in Valley of The Queens. |
19 |
|
QV33 |
Queen Tanedjemet |
19 |
|
QV34 |
Queen Anonymous |
19 |
|
QV36 |
Queen Anonymous |
19 |
|
QV38 |
Queen Sitre |
19 |
|
QV42 |
Prince Pareherwenemef |
20 |
|
QV43 |
Prince Seth-her-khopsef |
20 |
|
QV44 |
Prince Khaemwaset |
20 |
|
QV46 |
Vizier Imhotep |
18 |
|
QV47 |
Prince Ahmose |
17 |
|
QV51 |
Queen Iset Ta-Hemdjert |
20 |
|
QV52 |
Queen Tyti |
20 |
|
QV53 |
Prince Ramesses Meryamen / Ramesses IV |
20 |
|
QV55 |
Prince Amun-her-khepeshef |
20 |
|
QV58 |
Queen Anonymous till now in Valley of The Queens. |
19 |
|
QV60 |
Queen Nebettawy |
19 |
|
QV66 |
Queen Nefertari |
19 |
|
QV68 |
Queen Meritamun |
19 |
|
QV70 |
Nehesy |
18 |
|
QV71 |
Queen Bintanath |
19 |
|
QV72 |
Princess Neferhat / Prince Baki |
18 |
|
QV73 |
Queen Henuttawy |
19 |
|
QV74 |
Queen (Dua)Tentopet |
20 |
|
QV75 |
Queen Henutmire |
19 |
|
QV76 |
Princess Merytre |
18 |
|
QV80 |
Queen Queen (Mut-)Tuy |
18 |
|
QV81 |
Heka |
18 |
|
QV82 |
Prince Minemhat / Prince Amenhotep |
18 |
|
QV88 |
Prince MiAhmose |
18 |
QV33: Tomb of Tanedjemet
Tomb QV33 is located in the Valley of the Queens and was discovered and described by Lepsius. It is listed as tomb number 14. The tomb is believed to have been robbed at the end of the 20th dynasty and later reused during the 26th dynasty. Various items including glasswork, dating back to this period, were found in the tomb. During the Roman Period, the tomb was used to bury a significant number of mummies, which are thought to have been interred in the tomb between the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE.
QV55: Tomb of Amun-her-khepeshef
The tomb QV55 belonged to Amenherkhepshef, the eldest son and appointed heir of Pharaoh Ramesses III. It was excavated by Italian archaeologists in 1903–1904 and is very well preserved. The tomb has a simple plan consisting of a short flight of steps leading to a descending entrance ramp, followed by an antechamber or entrance hall, which has an annex to the northwest. This is followed by the sarcophagus chamber. The decorative theme of this tomb features only Amenherkhepshef and his father, along with various gods. However, one of the inscriptions tells us that it was originally quarried at the request of the king for his “great royal children”.
QV66: Tomb of Nefertari
The Tomb QV66 was built for Queen Nefertari, the Great Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. It is commonly known as the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt. Just like most Egyptian tombs, Nefertari’s tomb once contained her mummified body and other symbolic representations. However, the tomb has been looted over time, leaving only two-thirds of the 5,200 square feet of wall paintings intact. These wall paintings are a testament to Nefertari’s character and provide insight into her personality.
F.A.Q
6:00 AM- 5:00 PM Every Day
FOREIGNERS:
Adult: EGP 180/ Student: EGP 90
EGYPTIANS/ARABS:
Adult: EGP 30 / Student: EGP 10
The Valley of the Queens, where many of the pharaohs’ wives were interred, is not far from the Valley of the Kings. While some women were also interred in the Valley of the Kings, many ladies, like Ramses II’s wife Nefertari, found their last resting place in the Valley of the Queens.
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