WV22, Royal tomb from the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt
WV22 is a royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings that extends about 126 meters into limestone cliffs, containing multiple chambers connected by corridors. The walls throughout the structure are covered with paintings and inscriptions that accompany the passage deeper underground.
The tomb was commissioned by Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty between 1391 and 1353 BCE as his eternal resting place. It demonstrates the vast resources and engineering capabilities that the Egyptian royal family invested in burial construction.
The walls display hieroglyphic inscriptions and paintings showing scenes from the Book of the Dead and Egyptian gods guiding the pharaoh through the afterlife. These depictions reveal the religious beliefs and rituals that shaped how ancient Egyptians understood death and the journey beyond.
Access is provided through organized tours, with current preservation measures limiting daily visits to protect the ancient structure. It is wise to prepare for narrow passages and stairs, and to bring adequate water for the underground environment.
The builders adjusted construction plans multiple times during creation, resulting in an asymmetrical layout rather than the usual symmetrical design. These changes reveal how ancient Egyptian architects adapted to practical challenges instead of following fixed blueprints.
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