KV15, Ancient Egyptian tomb in Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt
KV15 is an underground burial chamber in the Valley of the Kings that extends roughly 89 meters into limestone rock and contains multiple rooms decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions and religious paintings. The layout follows the classic design of royal tombs from this period, with corridors, antechambers, and a central burial chamber.
Pharaoh Seti II ordered this tomb built during the Nineteenth Dynasty and employed advanced stone-cutting and decoration techniques that showcase the architectural skill of the era. His builders incorporated hidden chambers and protective design features that demonstrated the builders' knowledge of securing royal burials.
The walls display scenes from the Book of Gates and Book of Amduat, sacred texts that guided the pharaoh on his journey to the afterlife and reveal his spiritual beliefs.
You will need sturdy footwear and a good flashlight, as the underground corridors are dark and sometimes slippery. It is best to visit early in the day when there are fewer crowds and the temperature inside feels more comfortable.
Archaeologist Howard Carter used this tomb as a research laboratory during his excavation work on Tutankhamun's burial chamber in the early 1900s. The space served him for studying and documenting artifacts, making it an important chapter in the history of modern Egyptology.
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