WV22

Welcome to the Western Valley of the Kings, or Wadi el-Gurud, the 'Valley of the Monkeys.' This secluded branch of the main royal necropolis holds some of the most impressive, yet least visited, tombs of the New Kingdom. We stand…

As we descend into the tomb, we arrive at the first pillared hall. This space serves as an important transitional zone in the journey of the pharaoh's spirit. …

Continuing deeper into the tomb, we encounter a deep vertical shaft, often referred to by Egyptologists as the 'well.' This feature had two primary purposes. Practically, it served as a trap for any floodwaters that might seep…

We now enter the second pillared hall, a space even more grand and sacred than the first. This hall acts as a final gathering place for the gods before we reach the burial chamber. …

Finally, we reach the burial chamber, the most sacred spot in the entire tomb. This is where the red quartzite sarcophagus of Amenhotep III once stood, housing the nested coffins and the mummy of the 'Dazzling Aten.' The room is…

Surrounding the burial chamber and the pillared halls are several smaller side annexes. While they may seem less impressive at first glance, these rooms were vital for the king's survival in the afterlife. …

As we conclude our interior tour, it is important to acknowledge the work of the modern researchers who have helped us understand WV22. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a team from Waseda University in Japan has been…

As we emerge from the cool, silent depths of WV22 and return to the bright light of the Western Valley, take a moment to look back at the entrance. It is a humble hole in the rock, yet it leads to a subterranean palace of…