On Saturday, Egypt welcomed visitors to the tomb of the Pharaoh after over two decades of renovations in Luxor. This event is part of a broader initiative to prepare for the upcoming official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
The tomb belongs to Amenhotep III, who was in power from around 1390 BC to 1350 BC, and is situated on the west side of the renowned Valley of Kings.
First uncovered by two individuals in 1799, the tomb had been looted, as reported by ancient Egyptian authorities.
It underwent a major restoration project, spearheaded by Japan over the last 20 years, aimed at refurbishing the murals depicting Amenhotep and his wife. Mohamed Ismail, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, mentioned that the tomb is particularly captivating, featuring a casing of a pilfered stone coffinet.
The entrance to the tomb descends along a path measuring 118 feet and plunges 45 feet below the Valley of the Kings. Inside, there is a significant burial chamber for the Pharaoh, along with two other rooms designated for his wives, Queens Tier and Sitamun.
Notably, this tomb differs from many others in the valley as it lacks extensive decorations, Ismail explained.
Visitors were allowed to take photographs while exploring the burial site of Amenhotep III, who became pharaoh as a young teenager and ruled for an impressive span of 38 years.
The tomb’s wall paintings showcase Amenhotep III in the company of various ancient Egyptian deities. The burial chamber contains an inscription derived from the Book of the Dead, a famous collection of spells meant to assist the deceased in navigating the underworld.
As per the Egyptian National Museum of Civilizations, the mummy of Amenhotep III was moved by an ancient priest to his grandfather’s tomb located in the Valley of Kings. That mummy, though in poor condition, is now on display alongside 17 other royal mummies, including those of ancient queens.
Amenhotep III is celebrated as one of the most significant rulers of the 18th dynasty, which thrived between 1550 BC and 1292 BC. He is remembered for his majestic reign, having started as a teenager and governing for nearly four decades.
The reopening of this tomb occurs just a month prior to the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open on November 1st. This revitalization effort is part of Egypt’s strategy to draw more international tourists and rejuvenate the tourism sector, which is crucial for the country’s economy, especially after a protracted downturn impacted by the political upheaval post-2011.
