Wadi Al-Malekat in Arabic, this site near a similar & better known location was the burial place of Nefertari & others
On the February 6, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was Ancient Geography. The clue given was:
“Wadi Al-Malekat in Arabic, this site near a similar & better known location was the burial place of Nefertari & others.”
What is the Valley of the Queens?
This ancient Egyptian burial site, located near the more famous Valley of the Kings, served as the final resting place for royal women and princes of the New Kingdom, particularly during the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties.
The Valley of the Queens and Its Importance
The Valley of the Queens, known in Arabic as Wadi Al-Malekat (which translates to “Valley of the Queens”), is situated on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor. While the Valley of the Kings housed the tombs of pharaohs, the Valley of the Queens was designated for the burials of their consorts and children. The site contains more than 90 tombs, many of which belong to queens of the 19th and 20th Dynasties.
One of the most famous tombs in the Valley of the Queens is that of Queen Nefertari, the beloved wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Her tomb, designated QV66, is considered one of the most beautifully decorated in all of Egypt, featuring elaborate wall paintings that depict her journey through the afterlife as guided by various deities.
A Companion to the Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Queens is geographically close to the Valley of the Kings, where rulers such as Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramesses II were buried. While the Valley of the Kings gained widespread fame due to its association with significant archaeological discoveries, including Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922, the Valley of the Queens has also provided valuable insights into Egyptian burial practices and artistic traditions.
Although it is smaller and less well-known than its counterpart, the Valley of the Queens remains an important site for Egyptologists. Its tombs, particularly that of Nefertari, showcase the intricate artistry and religious symbolism that defined New Kingdom funerary practices.
Preservation and Modern Exploration
Like many ancient sites in Egypt, the Valley of the Queens has faced threats from environmental damage and human activity. Efforts to preserve its most significant tombs, particularly Nefertari’s, have been ongoing. The Getty Conservation Institute partnered with Egyptian authorities to restore the tomb in the 1980s, carefully stabilizing the fragile pigments that adorned its walls.
Today, only a few of the tombs in the Valley of the Queens are open to the public, with Nefertari’s tomb being the most famous. Due to its delicate condition, access is often restricted, and special permits or guided tours are required for visitors to experience its grandeur.
A Glimpse into Royal Burials
The Valley of the Queens serves as a testament to the reverence that ancient Egyptians had for their royal families. Unlike the pharaohs, whose tombs were often built to convey power and divine authority, the tombs in this valley emphasize familial love and the afterlife journey of queens and princes.
The inclusion of this clue in Jeopardy! highlights the ongoing fascination with ancient Egypt and its rich history. While the Valley of the Kings continues to draw widespread attention, the Valley of the Queens remains an equally significant site that offers a deeper understanding of royal burial customs and artistic achievements during the New Kingdom.