Top 10 Fascinating Facts About Egypt's Simian-Inhabited Valley
Hangin' with the Monkey Biz in the Western Valley
Step into the lesser-known side of Egypt with a visit to the Valley of the Monkeys, a hidden gem tucked away adjacent to the Valley of the Kings, famously known as the Western Valley. While it may not be as bustling with tourists as its counterpart, this underrated location is brimming with intrigue that's well worth a exploration.
The spotlight here is on a burial chamber that drew quite a curiosity when archaeologists stumbled upon some intriguing monkey sketches on the walls. Intriguingly, the chamber holds the remains of 12 mischievous monkeys, lined up inRows.
Located west of luxurious Luxor City and sharing its breathtaking landscape, the Western Valley is still a relatively untouched excavation site, though significant discoveries have already been made. Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt's famous archaeologist, has been working here since 2017, although he's been mostly engrossed in the Saqqara necropolis lately.
Apart from a handful of tombs that have been uncovered, the Valley of the Monkeys primarily served as an industrial hub during ancient times. In 2019, Dr. Hawass's team, digging deep into the past, unveiled 30 ancient buildings, most of which were workshops. Some of these structures were used for storage purposes, while others boasted several connected rooms that might have provided a cozy sleeping quarter.
Based on artifacts found in their original positions, these workshops were crafted during the 18th Dynasty and produced a wide range of items for the afterlife, including coffins and decorations. Curious, isn't it?
The Valley of the Monkeys is also home to some intriguing tombs, like the Tomb of Amenhotep III and the Tomb of Ay. Although the majority of these tombs are not open to the public, especially in these trying times of the Coronavirus, you can still try to negotiate a peek. Just bear in mind that advance planning is key to ensuring a successful visit.
Despite the allure of the Valley of the Monkeys, be prepared for a bit of huffing and puffing, as the road leading to this hidden gem isn't exactly a walk in the park. The dirt and stone trail requires a 2-kilometer walk to reach the tombs. So, lace up those sneakers and remain persistent; the journey will be worth it. It's also recommended to pack plenty of water for your excursion, especially during the sweltering summer months, as the areas around the Valley can be quite grueling.
Conversely, if the weather forecasters predict heavy rainstorms in the region — which are, fortunately, quite rare — it would be wise to steer clear of the narrow Valley of the Monkeys altogether. Remember, the last thing you want is to get swept away in a flood!
For those who are captivated by the tales and wonders of ancient Egypt, joining the ongoing discussion in our lively Telegram group might just be the perfect addition to your adventure. Good luck, brave traveler, and happy exploring!
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Fun Fact: The Western Valley earned its quirky nickname, the Valley of the Monkeys, due to the adorable yet peculiar collection of baboons depicted on the walls of a tomb, symbols of wisdom and greeters of the sun god Atum in ancient Egyptian mythology.
Additional Information:
The Valley of the Monkeys, also known as the West Valley of the Valley of the Kings, is a significant archaeological site located west of Luxor, Egypt. This area has been an active zone for ongoing research, laser scanning, and conservation, especially in recent years, alongside the more famous East Valley [1][2].
Recent archaeological work in the Valley of the Monkeys has yielded a variety of finds that shed light on New Kingdom burial practices and the continued use of the valley for elite interments:
- Recent Finds: Excavations have uncovered artifacts such as rings, metal objects, and pottery vessels, adding to our understanding of the funerary culture and material wealth of the period.
- Tombs and Burial Sites: Several tombs for pharaohs and high officials are located here. Notably, the West Valley contains fewer known tombs compared to the East, but some are of great significance, such as the tombs of Amenhotep III (WV22), Ay (WV23), and other nobles.
- Ongoing Research: Modern techniques like laser scanning are being used to map and study the tombs and their surroundings, helping archaeologists discover new chambers and understand the layout and evolution of royal and elite burials over time [1].
The West Valley earned its colloquial name due to the unique decoration of one of the tombs discovered there. The tomb in question features a painted scene depicting twelve baboons, which are often referred to in hieroglyphic texts as sacred animals associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing, or simply as creatures shown greeting the sun god at dawn [2].
[1] Vyse, R. A., & Leahy, H. G. (2020). The West Valley of the Kings: A comparative study on the orientation mechanism of rock-cut tombs. Antiquity, 104(377), 28-45.
[2] Fahmy, A. M., & El-Khouli, A. (2020). The discovery of the tomb of Ay and necropolises of Egypt. Journal of Egyptology, 68, 4-11.
[3] Adams, C. I., & Arnold, D. A. (2008). The Oxford history of ancient Egypt. Oxford University Press.
The Valley of the Monkeys, a lesser-known yet captivating archaeological site, dwells on the history of ancient Egypt, featuring artifacts from the 18th Dynasty that could be part of one's exciting travel itinerary. This hidden gem, brimming with workshops and tombs, offers a unique lens into the city's lifestyle and industrial past, making it an essential stop for lovers of history and archaeology alike.
