Valley of the Kings, Egypt Explained

Summary

This video explores the evolution of ancient Egyptian burial practices from the Old Kingdom, where pharaohs were interred in pyramids under the sun god Ra, to the New Kingdom, characterized by underground tombs in the Valley of the Kings dedicated to the god Amun. Key tombs, including those of Merenptah, Ramesses I, Ramesses IX, and the intact tomb of Tutankhamun, showcase intricate decorations and vibrant hieroglyphics. The transition from pyramids to hypogea reflects changing religious beliefs, with an emphasis on protecting the pharaohs' remains and ensuring a successful journey to the afterlife.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The main deity during the Old Kingdom was Ra, the sun god, influencing pyramid construction and burial practices.
• 🏛️ The Middle Kingdom saw the rise of Amun, the god of the hidden, as the principal deity, shifting the cultural focus.
• 🏜️ The Old Kingdom's capital was Memphis, where significant pyramids like those at Giza and Saqqara were built.
• 🌄 The New Kingdom's capital moved to Thebes, leading to the construction of elaborate tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
• 🏺 Tombs in the Valley of the Kings featured hypogeums instead of pyramids, marking a shift in royal burial practices.
• 🗿 The colossi of Memnon, built by Amenhotep III, are remnants of a large mortuary temple that has mostly eroded away.
• 🔍 As of now, 63 tombs have been discovered in the Valley of the Kings, with ongoing excavations revealing new finds.
• 📜 Tombs from the New Kingdom contain vibrant hieroglyphic carvings, preserved due to their sealed nature.
• ⚰️ King Tutankhamun's tomb, found intact, remains significant due to the treasures it held, unlike many others that were robbed.
• 🎨 The vibrant colors and detailed paintings within the tombs offer insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs and funerary practices.

Q & A

What was the main divinity worshipped during the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt?

Ra, the god of the sun, was the main divinity worshipped during the Old Kingdom.

How did the burial practices change from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom?

In the Old Kingdom, pharaohs were buried in pyramids, while in the New Kingdom, they were buried in underground tombs called hypogea.

What was the significance of the cult of Amun during the Middle Kingdom?

Amun became the main god during the Middle Kingdom, symbolizing the hidden aspects of divinity and becoming the patron deity of Thebes.

Where were the royal capitals located during the Old and Middle Kingdoms?

The royal capital during the Old Kingdom was Memphis, while it was relocated to Thebes during the Middle Kingdom.

What was the purpose of the funerary temples built near the tombs in the Valley of the Kings?

Funerary temples were built to allow access for offerings such as food and clothing to be presented to the pharaoh's spirit.

What are the Colossi of Memnon and their historical significance?

The Colossi of Memnon are massive statues built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which were part of his mortuary temple and are linked to Greek legends about the prince Memnon.

What architectural feature is common between the tombs of the Old and New Kingdoms?

Both periods featured a similar architectural layout for tombs, including a burial chamber for the mummy and associated temples for offerings.

Why is Tutankhamun's tomb particularly famous among the tombs in the Valley of the Kings?

Tutankhamun's tomb is famous because it was found nearly intact, containing numerous treasures, unlike many other tombs that had been robbed.

What are some of the decorations found within the tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs?

Tombs contained vibrant paintings and hieroglyphics depicting scenes from ancient Egyptian texts, including the Book of Gates and the Book of the Dead.

How did the preservation of tombs contribute to our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture?

The sealed nature of the tombs helped preserve pigments and artifacts for thousands of years, providing invaluable insights into the funerary practices and beliefs of ancient Egyptians.