Valley of the Queens

This was the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom Period (1550–1070  B.C.E.), located southwest of MEDINET HABU on the western shore of the Nile at  THEBES. The site was called Ta-set-neferu, “the Place of the Royal Children,” in the ancient periods and is now called Biban el-Harim, “the Doors of the Women,” or Biban el-Melikat, “the Doors of the Daughters,” in Ara- bic. The queens, princes, and princesses of the New Kingdom were buried here. The necropolis is believed to contain 70 tombs. Located in an arid wadi, the site was developed first on the southern hill and then on the northwest side.

The most famous tomb of the Valley of the Queens was built for Queen NEFERTARI- Merymut, the Great Wife of  RAMESSES II (r. 1290–1224  B.C.E.). This site has columned chambers, stairs, ramps, and an offering hall with shelves and a burial chamber with four pillars and three annexes. Elaborately decorated with polychrome reliefs, the tomb depicts Queen Nefertari-Merymut in the usual funerary scenes but also portrays her in everyday scenes of mortal life. The BENNU (phoenix) and the AKER lions are also displayed. “The Great Wives” of the New Kingdom all have tombs in this necropolis.

Tomb wall depicting Queen Nefertari, the great royal wife of pharaoh Rameses II

The tombs of the royal sons of the New Kingdom Period include the resting place of AMENHIRKHOPSHEF, the son of RAMESSES III (r. 1194–1163 B.C.E.). This tomb has a ramp, three chambers, and two annexes, all painted with scenes and cultic symbols. A vestibule was part of the design.The tomb of KHA’EMWESET . another prince of the dynasty and also a son of RAMESSES III, is in the Valley of the Queens as well. This is designed with three chambers, two annexes, and a ramp. The walls are covered with painted reliefs. Some officials of the Eighteenth Dynasty (1550–1307 B.C.E.) were given the honor of having small pit tombs in the Valley of the Queens. Other princesses and princes were also provided with similar pit tombs.