Photo of the Valley of the Kings

While we were in Luxor, we spent an afternoon visiting the Valley of the Kings, site of the tombs of the New Kingdom pharoahs from the 16th to 11th centuries BC, including the most famous one of all, that of Tutankhamun. The valley itself is quite stark and barren, with little sign above ground of the riches that were once (and perhaps still are) buried there. It was fun descending into some of the tombs and seeing wall paintings that were thousands of years old.

Ancient wall paintings,Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt

Ancient wall paintings,Valley of the Kings.
Image ID: 18476
Location: Luxor, Egypt

Valley of the Kings, roadway leading from Nile River to a complex of ancient tombs, Luxor, Egypt

Valley of the Kings, roadway leading from Nile River to a complex of ancient tombs.
Image ID: 18501
Location: Luxor, Egypt

Although the burial mask of Tutankhamun (actually there were several) is now displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, it was pulled from Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings when it was discovered in 1922.

Burial mask of King Tutankhamen, Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Burial mask of King Tutankhamen, Egyptian Museum.
Image ID: 18497
Location: Cairo, Egypt

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!