The West Bank

Yes, I know, the West Bank of the Nile is a very large area, but what it means in this context is the West Bank at Luxor where we find the Necropolis of Thebes, and that most famous of Pharaohs, Tutankhamun. (There is also a small necropolis on the west bank at Aswan, but it contains mainly the tombs of nobles) This is where the Valley of the Kings, and also the lesser known Valley of the Queens make up part of a huge "City of the Dead" where the Pharaohs, their Queens and nobles of the 2nd millennium B.C. were buried with full religious and ceremonial trappings.

The tomb of Tutankhamun is relatively small and uninspiring, apart from the gold sarcophagus. The construction of a Pharaoh's tomb began at the start of his reign, and as young Tut died somewhat prematurely, the tomb was a rush job! By contrast, the tomb of Ramses IV, who lived to a grand old age, is sumptuously decorated, and the complete Book of the Dead is illustrated here. In all the tombs, you are struck by the vibrant colours of the artwork, which has been protected from the fading effects of the sun, and from erosion. (No photography is allowed in the tombs) Trying to imagine the outer and inner walls of the temples painted in the same bright colours brings a scene of incredible beauty to the minds eye. Not all the tombs are open at any one time, and a guided tour is essential.

On the way to the Valley of the Kings, you pass the two Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues of Amenhotep III which probably sat at the entrance to a now long-gone temple. These seated figures are a stunning 60 feet high, and 20 feet across the shoulders!

At some times of year, you can take a hot-air balloon trip over the West Bank. We didn't manage to fit this in, but we definitely will next time!


Home Info