One of the most beautiful tombs..
The tomb of Ramses III, known as KV 11, is one of the largest and most beautifully decorated tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Ramses III was the last great pharaoh of the 20th Dynasty, and his resting place reflects the grandeur of his reign. The tomb was originally started by Setnakhte but abandoned when the excavation hit another burial; Ramses III had the project restarted on a new axis. The long corridors and multiple chambers are richly decorated with colorful scenes from the Litany of Re, the Book of Gates, the Book of the Dead, the Book of the Earth, and the Opening of the Mouth ritual. Uniquely, it also shows everyday scenes such as bakers, cooks, leather workers, and the famous blind harpists, which earned the tomb the nickname “Tomb of the Harpers.” The sarcophagus, carved from red granite, is today divided between the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, while the pharaoh’s mummy was discovered in the royal cache at Deir el-Bahri. First recorded by the Scottish traveler James Bruce in 1768 and later studied by Giovanni Belzoni, the tomb has long fascinated scholars and travelers alike. For modern visitors, it remains one of the most popular and accessible monuments in the valley thanks to its length, preservation, and striking wall paintings. A general admission ticket to the Valley of the Kings includes entry to three tombs of your choice, and the tomb of Ramses III is usually among them, though open tombs are rotated to help with preservation. Premium tombs like those of Tutankhamun or Seti I require additional tickets, but KV 11 is part of the standard selection, making it an excellent choice for experiencing the splendor of New Kingdom funerary art. The Valley is open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, with ticket sales ending around 4:30 pm, so visitors should plan accordingly to explore this...
Read moreThe Tomb of Ramses III is one of the most impressive and well-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings. It belongs to the great Pharaoh Ramses III, one of the last powerful rulers of the New Kingdom. The tomb is famous for its beautiful wall paintings that depict scenes from the Book of the Dead, Book of Gates, and Book of Amduat, showing the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife. The vibrant colors and detailed carvings reflect the artistic excellence and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt.
The scene of the harpist inside the tomb of Ramses III is one of the most captivating depictions, reflecting the ancient Egyptians’ deep love for music and its sacred role in rituals and celebrations. The musician is shown gently playing the ancient Egyptian harp, creating an atmosphere of harmony and serenity. This scene is not only a display of artistic beauty but also a spiritual expression — showing how music was believed to bring peace to the soul and connect humans with the divine in...
Read moreRamses III or Rameses III) was the second king of the Twentieth Dynasty in ancient Egypt. Believed to have ruled from 1186 to 1155 BC, he is seen as the last great king of the New Kingdom to wield great power over all of Egypt. His long reign witnessed the decline of Egyptian political and economic power, due to a series of invasions and internal economic problems that also afflicted his predecessors. He was also described as a "warrior pharaoh" because of his strong military strategies. Ramses defeated the invaders known as the "Sea Peoples", who caused the destruction of other neighboring civilizations and empires. He was able to save Egypt from collapse at a time when many empires fell during the Bronze Age collapse. However, the damage caused by the invasions...
Read more