Valley of the Kings

This magnificent pair of statues, the Colossi of Memnon, guard the road to the Valley of the Kings, where from the 16th to the 11th century B. C. tombs for the kings and powerful nobles of Egypt were constructed. Each statue weighs more than 700 tons and stands 195 meters tall. Originally this pair stood at the entrance to the Temple of King Amenhotep III, which was destroyed in 27 BC by a powerful earthquake.

To this date, 63 tombs have been discovered, including the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Prior to this time period, the kings were buried in the Memphis area, where the pyramids of Giza are located.

Pyramid style tombs were abandoned and replaced by catacombs containing an antechamber and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. The catacombs were easily concealed and made it more difficult for tomb robbers.

During construction a ramp/floor was in place to provide access to the tomb. Food, drink, money, jewels, etc. were placed in the tombs for the king to use in his afterlife. Once completed, this ramp was removed so that anyone entering the tomb unlawfully would fall to his/her death.