Recordings will be made available for those unable to attend the live sessions!
This course provides students with an introduction to the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE) royal necropolis at Thebes (modern day Luxor)–the Valley of the Kings. Over five weeks, students will be introduced to several important subjects related to this archaeological site, including the “life” and “afterlife” of the necropolis. Students will explore the origins of the Valley, its development over time, and the eventual decline of this royal burial ground.
The overall goal of this course is to examine this important site and the activities of Western Thebes during the New Kingdom and the transition into political, economic, and social decline at the start of the Third Intermediate Period (c. 1070-943 BCE).
Plan showing the royal tombs located in the Valley of the Kings.
By the end of this course, you will be able to critically assess archaeological and primary evidence from the Valley of the Kings, including tomb layouts, inscriptions (in translation), and material remains. You will be able to identify key developments in royal tomb architecture across Dynasties 18–20 and explain how these changes reflect broader historical and religious shifts. The role of funerary texts and beliefs in shaping ancient Egyptian concepts of the afterlife and royal burial practices will become clear. You will gain an understanding of the social world of tomb builders and later reuse of the Valley, including the lives of workers at Deir el-Medina and the reburial of kings in Dynasty 21.
A general knowledge of Egyptian history and geography is recommended. However, no specialist knowledge is required, as tomb architecture and decoration, funerary texts, and the afterlife more broadly will be examined in detail each week.
Tutor
Dr Nicholas Brown
The funeral procession, as seen in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Course Outline
Please note that main content will be delivered between 18:00-19:30, though some optional participation (quizzes, Q&A, etc.) may continue beyond that time.
Thursday 2 July 2026, 18:00-19:30 (UK time)
Week One - Intro to the Valley of the Kings and Its Exploration
This lesson introduces the Valley of the Kings, explaining why it became the royal burial ground of the New Kingdom and how its landscape shaped tomb construction. It also explores the history of its exploration, from early visitors to modern archaeology, highlighting key figures and finds.
Various people involved in the early excavations of the Valley of the Kings.
Thursday 9 July 2026, 18:00-19:30 (UK time)
Week Two - Evolution of Tombs in the Valley of the Kings (Dynasties 18-20)
This lesson traces how royal tombs changed over time, from hidden and simple designs to larger, more elaborate structures. It examines how political, religious, and security concerns influenced tomb layout and decoration across the New Kingdom.
Thursday 16 July 2026, 18:00-19:30 (UK time)
Week Three - Sacred Texts and Royal Funerary Books of the Afterlife
This lesson explores the religious texts that decorated royal tombs and guided kings through the afterlife. Students will learn about key compositions and how they reflect ancient Egyptian beliefs about death, rebirth, and the journey of the sun god.
Thursday 23 July 2026, 18:00-19:30 (UK time)
Week Four - Deir el-Medina and Its Crew
This lesson focuses on the community of workers who built and decorated the royal tombs, offering insight into their daily lives, skills, and social organisation. It highlights how their records and artefacts provide a rare, personal glimpse into ancient Egyptian society.
Deir el-Medina, the home of the tomb builders of the Valley of the Kings.
Thursday 30 July 2026, 18:00-19:30 (UK time)
Week Five - The Valley of the Kings in Dynasty 21
This lesson examines what happened to the Valley after the New Kingdom, including tomb robberies and the reburial of royal mummies. It explores how ancient officials attempted to preserve the royal dead and what these actions reveal about changing political, social, economic, and religious conditions.
Booking and information
Register for your place in advance using the link below. Here, you can select to pay for optional add-ons. You can buy a personalised certificate for £5.99, featuring your name, the event name and start date, which will be signed by the EES Engagement Manager to confirm your attendance at this online course.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about your booking. If you do not receive your email, then please check your junk folders before contacting the Egypt Exploration Society. The course will be held on our Zoom platform and attendees will be able to interact by asking questions, using the chat and polls. It is not necessary to have a working webcam or microphone for this course. The online course will be complemented by Google Drive, where resources will be uploaded.
Recordings will be made available for those unable to attend the live sessions! These recordings will be available via a YouTube playlist for approximately one month after the final class.
Please ensure that you have read our guide to attending EES events before the course begins.
