By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the reopening of tomb of New Kingdom Pharaoh Amenhotep III to visitors after a renovation process that lasted over twenty years.
Located on the western side of the famed necropolis, the tomb belongs to Amenhotep III, who ruled Egypt more than 3500 years ago.
The tomb was first discovered in 1799 and subsequently looted, including the sarcophagus, Egyptian antiquities authorities said.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the tomb as “one of the most important and prominent” in the Valley of the Kings, noting that its reopening would be an “excellent addition” to Egypt’s cultural tourism sector.
The renovation, an international effort involving Egyptian, Italian, and Japanese experts, focused on preserving the tomb’s elaborate wall paintings.
Conservation work took place in three phases — 2001-2004, 2010-2012, and 2023-2024.
Khaled said the tomb’s intricate designs and vibrant decorations reflect the artistic and cultural prosperity of the New Kingdom.
“The tomb is renowned for its unique decorations and colored inscriptions depicting religious and symbolic scenes of the king’s journey in the afterlife,” he said.
Amenhotep III ascended the throne as a teenager following the death of his father, Thutmose IV.
Historically, his nearly 40-year reign is considered a golden age of peace and prosperity, during which he mainly resided in Thebes rather than the traditional capital, Memphis.
According to reports, during the 21st Dynasty, his mummy, along with other royal mummies, was relocated to the Royal Mummies Cache, later discovered in the tomb of Amenhotep II in 1898.
Today, his remains are housed at Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
