Description
The Valley of the kings lies in a deep northern ravine of the limestone hills of QURNA, north-west of Deir-El-Bahri and is known today as Wadi Biban el-Muluk. The valley is sacred to the local goddess Mertseger (She who loves silence) and to Hathor. The valley is surrounded by high cliffs, dominated by a natural pyramid shaped peak. The kings found that the pyramids and the protection built into their ancestors tombs failed to safeguard their ancestors bodies or funerary objects which were important for the next life.
The kings desperately wanted to hide their tombs away from grave robbers.
Tutmosis I was the first king to choose this local for his burial, his successors followed his lead, having their tombs dug in this extraordinary valley. This cemetery contains sixty two tombs, although not all of them are royal. In fact there are two valleys in the western hills of that make up the Theban Necropolis for royal burials: the East and the West Valleys.
