Valley of the Kings Facts for Kids

Location of the valley in the Theban Hills, west of the Nile, October 1988 (red arrow shows location)

The Valley of the Kings (which means Wādī al Mulūk in Arabic) is a special valley in Egypt. For about 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th centuries BC, it was used as a burial place. Important leaders called Pharaohs and powerful nobles had their tombs built here.

This valley is located on the west side of the Nile River, right across from the city of Luxor. Many famous people from ancient Egypt were buried here, including:

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world. An archaeological site is a place where people study old buildings and objects to learn about the past. In 1979, it became a World Heritage Site. This means it's a very important place that is protected for everyone to see. People are still exploring, digging, and taking care of the tombs in the valley today. A new visitor center has also opened recently for tourists.

Panorama of the valley, looking north

Discovering Ancient Tombs
- Famous Discoveries
Who Was Buried Here?
- Important Pharaohs
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Discovering Ancient Tombs

The Valley of the Kings is famous for its many hidden tombs. These tombs were built for pharaohs and important people. They were often filled with amazing treasures and art.

Famous Discoveries

Many tombs have been found in the valley over the years. Each discovery helps us learn more about ancient Egyptian history. One of the most famous finds was the tomb of Tutankhamun. It was discovered in 1922 and was almost untouched. This gave us a lot of information about how pharaohs lived and were buried.

Who Was Buried Here?

The Valley of the Kings was mainly for pharaohs and their families. These rulers were seen as gods on Earth. Their tombs were built to protect their bodies and belongings for the afterlife.

Important Pharaohs

Some of the most powerful pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried here. Their tombs are often large and decorated with colorful paintings. These paintings tell stories about their lives and beliefs.