Valley of the Queens

Tucked away in the rugged limestone cliffs on the west bank of the Nile, near ancient Thebes (modern Luxor), lies the Valley of the Queens. While the nearby Valley of the Kings was the final resting place for the mighty pharaohs, this secluded desert necropolis, known in ancient Egyptian as Ta-Set-Neferu—"The Place of Beauty" or "The Place of the Royal Children"—was primarily reserved for the most important women and young royalty of the New Kingdom (roughly 1550–1070 BCE).
The Afterlife for the Royal Elite

The decision to create a separate burial ground underscored the growing political and religious importance of royal wives and children, particularly during the powerful 19th and 20th Dynasties. Instead of being tucked into a corner of their husband's giant tomb, queens were given their own chance at eternity.

The over 90 known tombs cut into the rock are not just simple burial chambers; they are elaborate blueprints for the afterlife. Unlike the simple tombs of the earlier 18th Dynasty, the later ones—especially those from the Ramesside period—are masterpieces of ancient Egyptian art. They are adorned with vivid, intricate wall paintings that map out the deceased's journey to the netherworld, guided by gods and protected by sacred spells from the Book of the Dead.

Nefertari's Masterpiece: The "Sistine Chapel"
The most spectacular tomb in the Valley of the Queens belongs to Queen Nefertari , the beloved Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II.

Discovered in 1904, the tomb's decorations are so exceptionally preserved and artistically refined that it's often called the "Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt." The paintings show Nefertari, serene and elegantly dressed, playing the game of Senet, being welcomed by gods like Isis and Hathor, and undergoing the rituals necessary for her to be reborn as a divine being. The sheer quality and vibrant colors on the walls offer an unparalleled glimpse into the royal vision of the Egyptian afterlife.

Unfortunately it is closed to tourists because of the deterioration caused by the crowds of tourists. Plans for restoration are in progress.

While queens and royal wives were the main focus, the Valley's original name—"The Place of the Royal Children"—is also telling. It holds the tombs of several princes and princesses, including sons of Ramesses III, as well as a few high-ranking nobles and officials from the 18th Dynasty. These royal children, who often died before their fathers, were guaranteed an honorable resting place adjacent to their royal mothers, ensuring their passage to the next world.
Today, the Valley of the Queens stands as a crucial site for historians and archaeologists, providing unique evidence about the status of women, the complexities of royal succession, and the enduring power of funerary art in ancient Egypt.Leggi altro