KV21, Royal tomb in Valley of the Kings, Egypt
KV21 is a royal burial site in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt, that stretches 41 meters into the limestone rock. The structure consists of several chambers connected by descending passages with painted hieroglyphic texts.
Giovanni Battista Belzoni found this burial site on October 9, 1817, and discovered two female mummies in the chambers. Tomb raiders later damaged the mummies and other burial goods that were originally inside the structure.
The underground structure shows through its wall paintings and religious texts how ancient Egyptians understood the transition into the afterlife. Visitors can see depictions of gods and protective symbols meant to assist the deceased queen on her journey.
A combined ticket for the Valley of the Kings grants access to this tomb. The underground structure sits in the cliffs at about 180 meters elevation and requires walking through descending passages.
DNA analysis of the mummies found here suggests a possible connection to the royal family of Tutankhamun during the 18th dynasty. This genetic link helps researchers better understand family relationships within the ruling household.
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