Source A: The Tombs of the Pharaohs

"The Valley of the Kings was chosen as the burial site for Egypt’s most important pharaohs during the New Kingdom period. These tombs were cut into the rock cliffs and decorated with inscriptions and paintings meant to guide and protect the king in the afterlife. The tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922, exemplifies the grandeur and secrecy surrounding these burial sites. Many tombs were looted over time, which led to the loss of invaluable artifacts and historical information. The Valley was considered a sacred place, and its tombs reflect the religious beliefs and political power of the pharaohs buried there. The construction of these tombs required skilled labor and resources, symbolizing the wealth and organization of ancient Egypt.

Provenance: Archaeologist Howard Carter, 1922, report on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.