The Valley of the Queens is known as an important archaeological site in Ancient Egypt. In this valley, whose real name is “Wādī al Malekāt”, there are the tombs of the pharaohs’ wives and some royal women. This area, which has been used since the Ancient Kingdom period of Egypt, served as a busy cemetery, especially during the New Kingdom period (between the 16th and 11th centuries BC).
Valley of the Queenswest of Luxor, Valley of the KingsIt is located in the immediate vicinity of . Unlike the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs were buried, the Valley of the Queens has more Tombs of pharaohs’ wives and some princesses is available. However, in some cases the tombs of queens and other members of the royal family are also located in this area.
Important Tombs Found in the Valley of the Queens
‘Valley of Queens’The tombs found in the region are generally built into rocks carved into the mountains. The burial chambers and corridors are decorated with religious scenes and depictions of Gods and Goddesses. Some tombs are magnificently decorated, with colorful reliefs and hieroglyphic writings.
One of the important tombs in this valley is that of the wife of Ramses the Great. Queen NefertariIt is the grave of . This tomb is famous for its magnificent murals. Other important tombs include Queen Titi, Queen Satre and Queen MeritreThere are graves of .
Valley of the QueensIt was used in later periods as well as in ancient times. Especially during the Roman and Coptic periods, this area was used as a cemetery. During these periods, some monks’ shelters were built and some tombs were decorated with Christian symbols.
In the valley also known as Ta-Set-Neferu, at that time “place of beauty” It was called. The Valley of the Queens lies within the boundaries defined by Christian Leblanc and includes many tombs located in the main valley, along with other valleys such as the Valley of Prince Ahmose, the Valley of the Rope, the Valley of the Three Holes and the Valley of the Dolmens. While the main valley contains 91 graves, there are 19 more graves in the side valleys. The tombs in the valleys outside the main valley generally date to the 18th Dynasty.
Valley of the QueensThe reason why was chosen as a cemetery is not known for certain, but its proximity to the workers’ village of Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Kings may have been effective. Another possibility is that there is a sacred cave dedicated to Hathor at the entrance of the valley. This cave may have been associated with the rejuvenation of the dead.
Tombs from the 18th Dynasty
Valley of the QueensAmong the first tombs built in are Seqenenre Tao, probably dating to the reign of Thutmose I, and the tomb of Princess Ahmose, daughter of Queen Sitdjehuti. This tomb is among many tombs probably from the reign of Thutmose I, containing several members of the nobility.
Valley of the Three PitsThe tombs located in are mostly from the Thutmose period and are labeled from A to L. Additionally, there are three shaft tombs in the valley, from which the valley takes its name; Its modern labels are QV 89, QV 90 and QV 91.
Dolmen ValleyIt includes an ancient path leading from Deir el-Medina to the Valley of the Queens. Along this road is a small rock temple dedicated to Ptah and Meretseger.
Graves from this period generally have a simple structure; It consists of a room and a burial well. Some tombs have been expanded to accommodate multiple burials and include the tombs of royal princes and princesses and some nobles.
Tombs from the 19th Dynasty
During the 19th Dynasty, use in the Valley became more selective; Tombs began to be built only for royal women. Ramses I, Seti I and II. Many of Ramses’ wives are buried in the Valley of the Queens. One of the most notable examples is Queen Nefertari (1290–1224 BC); The colorful reliefs inside this tomb have been preserved until today. Other royal family members often continued to be buried in the Valley of the Kings. II. Tomb KV5, the tomb of Ramses’ sons, is also an example of this practice.
The tomb of Queen Satre (QV 38) is probably one of the first tombs built during this dynasty. Its construction probably began during the reign of Ramses I and was completed during the reign of Seti I. The different tombs were prepared according to their owners and completed by adding their names upon the death of the royal lady.
Tombs from the 20th Dynasty
20th Dynasty of the period At its beginning, activities in the Valley were still intense. III. Tombs were prepared for Ramses’ wives, and unlike previous dynasties, several tombs were also built for royal princes. The construction of the tombs dates back to at least VI. It continued until the reign of Ramses. Turin Papyrus, VI. He mentions that six tombs were built during the reign of Ramses; However, it is unclear which tombs are referred to in this papyrus.
Traces of economic problems can be seen during the 20th Dynasty. Records, III. It shows that workers went on strike during the reign of Ramses. Towards the end of the dynasty, information about grave robberies is also found.
After the 20th Dynasty, the character of the Valley changed greatly and it was no longer used solely as a royal burial ground. Many of the graves were extensively reused, and a few were modified to accommodate multiple burials.
Although there is little information about the use of the Valley of the Queens during the Ptolemaic period, it is known that it was widely used as a cemetery during the Roman period. It is known that during the Coptic period, some monk shelters were built. Tombs such as QV60 (Nebettawy) and QV73 (Henuttawy) bear traces of Coptic occupation. The wall scenes of these tombs were covered with plaster and decorated with Christian symbols. Christian presence continued until the 7th century AD.
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