Valley of the Kings

Back to Our Egypt Trip

 We visited 5 tombs, including Ramesses VI and Tut's. Ramesses' tomb was remarkable with long, high, passageways that led deep into the limestone mountain. Some small nodules of chert could be seen in the limestone and one of the tombs had a 2' seam of chert running into the ceiling.

Vertical rows of questions and answers lined the walls of the entrance to the tomb of Ramesses VI. The questions were to the left (a symbol with upward arms suggesting a question) and the answers were to the right (a symbol of an elbow with the palm upward to suggest an answer). The questions would pertain to certain things the pharoah should have accomplished during his reign. Ie: "Did you, Remesses VI, unite the kingdoms of upper and lower Egypt?" The answer to the question was on the opposite wall. These continued down the hallway for about 100 yards, or more.

The tombs were carved out of  limestone with the walls being remarkably square and true. Next, about 1 inch of plaster was added to the walls, evened, and smoothed. Then, the designs were carved into the plaster and some were painted. Vivid colors can be seen everywhere. Even the ceilings were painted, in a lot of cases.

 

  "Amr, da man"!!!

Marilyn at the entrance to Tut's tomb

  Larry, joins in.

We visited an alabaster shop at the entrance to the Valley of the Kings. It was quite an experience and the "Fat Boy" was a hoot. I hear there are some embarrassing photos to be added to this page.

The alabaster shop.                               Selecting the right chunk.

  Cutting the inside of the jar.                  Grinding the outside of the jars.

.  "I'll give you 10 camels for her". She's taken, fat boy.

  Carter's house, at the entrance to the Valley of the Kings.