Queen Nefertari’s tomb: Vivid Colors and Great condition

The tomb of Queen Nefertari, which can be found in the Valley of the Queens on the west bank of Luxor, is one of Egypt’s most beautiful tombs. This tomb has many “wow” aspects. The detail is incredible, and the colors are more brilliant than any of Egypt’s other tombs, temples, or pyramids. Put the tomb of Queen Nefertari on your list if you want to see what tombs were like 3,000 years ago.

This tomb is expensive: 1400 EGP (about USD 90 as of January 2021). Is it, therefore, worthwhile? YES, we believe so. The tomb of Queen Nefertari is breathtakingly magnificent, and you will all be awestruck as you stroll inside it. The public remained unable to access the tomb unless they bought a special permission for a single visit costing 20,000 Egyptian pounds.

Take a look at our photo tour above in the gallery to see for yourself.
But first, a bit of background about Queen Nefertari and her tomb.

The Significance of the Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens, nestled near the historic city of Thebes, stands as a testament to ancient Egyptian grandeur. The ancient Egyptians specifically made this burial site for the queens and royal children of the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE). Unlike the more famous Valley of the Kings, this site provided a secluded and secure resting place for these high-status individuals.

Key Highlights:

• Preservation of Heritage: Many tombs in the Valley of the Queens, including those of notable figures like Nefertari, showcase remarkably well-preserved art and inscriptions. These decorations offer invaluable insights into the religious beliefs and everyday life of ancient Egypt.
• Architects designed the tombs with elaborate designs and ornate decorations. They feature vibrant wall paintings and detailed hieroglyphs that continue to captivate historians and tourists alike.
   
• Cultural Significance: The intricate artistry and construction styles not only highlight the reverence held for the queens but also underscore the importance of the afterlife in Egyptian culture.

In summary, the Valley of the Queens is a crucial archaeological site that helps us understand more about the roles and reverence given to royal women in ancient Egyptian society.

Interesting facts about Queen Nefertari and her tomb:

Ramesses II’s (also known as Ramesses the Great) first queen and most cherished wife was Queen Nefertari. She not only had one of the most beautiful graves in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, but Ramesses II also built her a temple, the Small Temple at Abu Simbel, to commemorate her.

Nefertari Merytmut is her full name, which means “most lovely, goddess Mut’s favorite.”
Queen Nefertari’s tomb, QV66, is one of the Valley of the Queens biggest. It is 520 square meters and is adorned with vibrant Queen Nefertari murals.

Her sarcophagus formerly stood in the center of the chamber, but tomb robbers took everything, including the concealed riches and Queen Nefertari’s mummy. When the tomb was unearthed in 1904, all that was discovered were Nefertari’s mummified knees. The tomb was discovered by Ernesto Schiaparelli, the director of the Egyptian Museum in Turin, who led the excavation. This significant find highlighted the expertise and dedication of Schiaparelli and his team, shedding light on the burial practices of ancient Egyptian royalty.

The discovery, while initially underwhelming in terms of preserved artifacts, still provided invaluable insights into the life and death of Queen Nefertari. Schiaparelli‘s work helped to piece together the historical puzzle, making a substantial contribution to Egyptology. These have now been donated to the Egyptian Museum.

Queen Nefertari‘s headdress is not just a striking piece of royal regalia; it holds deep symbolic significance. The headdress is designed to emulate the protective vulture goddess, Nekhbet. This goddess was revered in ancient Egyptian culture as a guardian of the pharaohs and a symbol of Upper Egypt. By wearing this headdress, Queen Nefertari was visually affirming her role as a protector and powerful figure within the kingdom.

Moreover, the vulture motif also represented maternal protection and royalty. Ancient Egyptians believed that Nekhbet‘s presence would provide divine safeguarding to the queen and, by extension, the entire realm. Thus, the headdress wasn’t merely an adornment but a powerful statement of Queen Nefertari‘s divine authority and protective responsibilities.

The Importance of the Goddess Ma’at in Nefertari’s Tomb

Ma’at: The Embodiment of Truth and Order

In ancient Egyptian belief, Ma’at represented more than just a deity; she symbolized the fundamental concepts of truth, balance, and cosmic order. Her presence in the tomb of Queen Nefertari, who was the wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, underscores the profound respect the Egyptians had for these principles.

Ma’at in the New Kingdom

Dating back to the New Kingdom’s 19th Dynasty, specifically during Ramesses II‘s reign (circa 1279-1213 BC), Ma’at’s depiction in Nefertari’s tomb highlights the continuity of her worship. This period is known for its monumental architecture and rich artistic achievements, often aimed at ensuring the deceased’s rightful place in the afterlife.

Nefertari’s Tomb: A Sacred Canvas

Located in the Valley of the Queens, particularly in the tomb designated QV66, the artwork featuring Ma’at serves multiple purposes:

• Spiritual Protection: By adorning Nefertari’s final resting place, Ma’at provides spiritual safeguarding, ensuring that the Queen’s soul would be judged fairly and justly in the afterlife.
• Symbol of Order: As she embodies the cosmic balance, her imagery reassures that the order maintained during Nefertari’s life would continue beyond death.
• Guiding the Dead: Ma’at’s role in the weighing of hearts, a key event in the journey through the Duat (the realm of the dead), reaffirms her importance. Nefertari’s tomb walls are full of scenes showing her passage through this afterlife process where Ma’at’s principles would ensure her successful journey to eternal peace.

The Artistic Representation

The depiction of Ma’at in Nefertari’s tomb isn’t merely decorative. The artistry, with its vivid colors and detailed portrayal, aims to invoke Ma’at’s divine presence within the tomb. This not only honors the goddess but also acts as a testament to Nefertari’s rightful and balanced existence.

In summary, the goddess Ma’at holds immense significance in Nefertari’s tomb, symbolizing the essential virtues of truth and order that were central to ancient Egyptian culture. Her presence ensured that Nefertari would be protected, judged fairly, and granted eternal harmony in the afterlife.

Chapter 94 of the Book of the Dead presents a significant scene where Queen Nefertari, one of ancient Egypt’s most venerated queens, is depicted engaging with the deity Thoth. Thoth, known for his role as a scribe and typically portrayed with the head of an ibis, stands before Nefertari. In this detailed painting, found on the north wall of the east side chamber, the queen is shown reverently standing, indicating her esteemed place in the afterlife rituals.

Key Highlights:

• Location of Scene: North wall, east side chamber.
• Key Figures: Queen Nefertari and Thoth, the ibis-headed god.
• Depiction of Nefertari: Standing with respect and reverence before the god.

This chapter illustrates not just the religious reverence but also the importance of Nefertari in the death rituals, immortalizing her status and belief in the afterlife. The artwork captures the profound cultural and spiritual connection between the queen and the pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods.

Nefertari’s Tomb Referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt”

Nefertari’s tomb, nestled in the Valley of the Queens near Thebes, stands out as one of the most exquisite and well-preserved burial sites from ancient Egypt. This tomb isn’t just a resting place; it’s a testament to the grandeur and artistry of ancient Egyptian culture.

Exceptional Preservation and Decoration

Nefertari’s tomb is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved state. The vibrant murals that adorn the walls have survived centuries, showcasing scenes of the queen’s journey through the afterlife in stunning detail. The colors remain vivid, and the intricate artwork offers a glimpse into the sophisticated techniques and materials used by ancient Egyptian artisans.

Artistic Mastery Comparable to the Sistine Chapel

Historical and Cultural Significance

Nefertari herself was a figure of great importance, playing a significant role in the political sphere during the reign of her husband, Pharaoh Ramses II. The opulence of her tomb reflects her esteemed status and influence. This cultural and historic significance adds another layer to the reason people often call her tomb the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt—both serve as monumental testaments to the eras they represent.

Discovery and Legacy

Discovered by archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli in 1904, the tomb of Nefertari quickly gained fame for its splendor. The discovery was akin to uncovering a buried treasure, with each artifact and decoration offering insights into the grandeur of Nefertari’s life and the artistry of her time. The analogy to the Sistine Chapel underscores its role as a beacon of artistic and historic achievement.

To avoid further damage from traffic and the humidity of visitors’ breath, the number of visitors was formerly limited. That is why the ticket price is so high.

Detailed depictions of various deities are adorning the walls of Nefertari’s tomb. From left to right, these include Serket, Isis, Khepri, and Hathor. They prominently position Osiris above the entrance, while Horus also appears among the illustrious figures.

Significance of the Goddess Isis Offering the Ankh to Nefertari

The painting of the goddess Isis presenting the ankh to Queen Nefertari is rich in symbolism and steeped in ancient Egyptian mythology. This image captures more than just a historical moment; it conveys profound spiritual meaning.

• Symbol of Life: The ankh, often referred to as the “key of life,” is a potent symbol in Egyptian culture representing life, immortality, and the divine breath. When Isis offers the ankh to Nefertari, she is bestowing upon her the gift of eternal life.

• Divine Favor: Isis, one of the most important goddesses, is known for her magical prowess and protective qualities. Her act of giving the ankh symbolizes divine endorsement and the assurance of a blessed afterlife for Nefertari.

• The depiction of Nefertari is situated in the burial chamber of her tomb in the Valley of the Queens. This scene reinforces the belief that Nefertari, as the queen, will receive safe passage and a favored place in the afterlife due to her piety and the blessings of the gods.
   

• Cultural Significance: Located near the ancient city of Thebes, Nefertari‘s tomb is one of the most elaborately adorned in the Valley of the Queens. The imagery within this tomb, especially the scenes involving deities like Isis, highlights the cultural and religious values of the time.

In summary, the painting wherein Isis offers the ankh to Nefertari is a multifaceted symbol of eternal life, divine favor, and reverence for the queen’s spiritual journey.

Tomb of Queen Nefertari in Photos:

The regulations for taking photos change regularly. As of January 2021, visitors can take mobile photography without purchasing a camera ticket. The venue does not permit cameras (even DSLRs without a flash), GoPros, or point-and-shoot cameras. Without using a flash, I captured all of the images in this post using a cellphone.

 The photographs do not do the tomb credit since the lights in the tomb produce a yellow haze. We changed the white balance but did not improve the color saturation.

The Depiction of Queen Nefertari Making an Offering in Her Tomb

The artwork illustrates Nefertari garbed in intricate royal attire, embodying her esteemed status. The scene encapsulates her role in the spiritual realm, emphasizing her dedication to the gods. The artist meticulously captures her beauty and regal presence, highlighting her significance in Ancient Egyptian culture.

Egyptian Art: Expressing Nobility and Vitality

Ancient Egyptians were pioneers in capturing the human form’s nobility and vitality through art. Their artworks reflect a deep appreciation for the human body’s balance and elegance.

Key Aspects of Egyptian Art:

1. Posture and Balance:

   • Egyptians keenly emphasized the harmony of the shoulders and the body’s structure. The alignment of these features conveyed a sense of beauty and balance.

2. Erect and Confident Stance:

   • Figures in Egyptian art often have straight backs and high-held heads, not as a limitation but as an artistic choice. This posture symbolizes confidence and strength, representing the subjects’ triumphant spirit.

3. Vitality in Expression:

   • The stiff and erect depictions should not mislead viewers into thinking there is artistic incompetence. Instead, they celebrate life’s vigor. The artists conveyed vitality and an optimistic outlook by committing to these forms.

Ancient Egyptian art masterfully encapsulated human nobility and vitality. Through balanced postures and confident stances, their art remains a testament to their sophisticated understanding of human form and spirit.

Is it worthwhile to visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb?

Yes, in our opinion, the tomb of Queen Nefertari is worth the high price. Firstly, with its brilliant colors and intricate artwork, it is Egypt’s most magnificent tomb. Moreover, the Valley of the Kings contains the tombs of King Seti I and Ramesses V and VI. However, there is an extra charge for these tombs, which are highly colorful and intricately decorated. Ultimately, the tomb of Queen Nefertari is by far the greatest tomb from ancient Egypt.

We strongly advise you to see it. If you’re traveling with children, consider their age before paying for their visit. There is no concession for children. However, if they are old enough to remember the experience, it’s worth paying for them. They will remember it for the rest of their lives. If you’ve traveled to Egypt, it’s worth spending a little extra money to visit one of the country’s most magnificent sights.

PRICES OF TICKETS:

The Tomb of Queen Nefertari has an additional fee of 1400 Egyptian pounds.

OPERATIONAL HOURS:

Winter hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More photos