Theban Necropolis, Ancient burial complex on the Nile west bank, Luxor, Egypt.
The Theban Necropolis spreads across limestone cliffs with tombs, temple ruins, and burial chambers carved deep into the rock. The site contains several distinct sections including the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and many noble tombs distributed across the terrain.
The necropolis emerged during the New Kingdom period starting in the 16th century BC when pharaohs and nobles chose this rocky region as their final resting place. Over the centuries that followed, leading figures buried their family members here following specific rituals, establishing it as a major burial center.
The tomb walls display painted scenes and hieroglyphic texts showing daily life, deities, and spiritual practices that visitors can still observe today. These artworks offer a direct window into how ancient Egyptians understood death and the afterlife.
The site is divided into several sections that can be explored on foot, with guided tours recommended for better orientation and understanding. The best time to visit is during cooler months since the sun is intense in this desert region.
The site contains the burial chamber of Tutankhamun, found largely undisturbed in 1922, offering a rare view of how a royal burial actually looked. This discovery held thousands of objects showing how people believed one should prepare for the afterlife.
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