KV17, Royal tomb in Valley of the Kings, Egypt
KV17 is a royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, extending 137 meters (450 feet) deep into the limestone bedrock with multiple corridor-like chambers. The walls show well-preserved hieroglyphs and religious depictions spread across numerous rooms.
Giovanni Battista Belzoni opened this burial site in October 1817, revealing insights into funerary practices of the Nineteenth Dynasty. The subsequent documentation shaped understanding of Egyptian tomb architecture for decades.
The ceiling shows a complete astronomical chart with constellations and deities that ancient Egyptians used to navigate the celestial spheres. Visitors can still see the original colors in some sections, though access is now heavily restricted.
The site has been closed to regular visitors since 1991 because structural problems prevent safe viewing. Researchers and conservators occasionally gain entry for scientific work and preservation efforts.
The original alabaster sarcophagus now sits at Sir John Soane's Museum in London, measuring nearly three meters (10 feet) long. Transporting it in the early 19th century required months of preparation and special ship modifications.
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