Luxor, Egypt – On Saturday, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities welcomed visitors to the newly opened tomb of New Kingdom Pharaoh Amenhotep III, located on the western side of the Valley of the Kings. After more than twenty years of careful restoration, the site is now open to the public and a key boost for Egypt’s cultural tourism.
Amenhotep III, who ruled over 3,500 years ago, first had his tomb uncovered in 1799. It was later looted, and the sarcophagus was removed. Now the tomb shines with its restored wall paintings and vibrant inscriptions that depict the king’s after‑life journey.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary‑General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, called the tomb “one of the most important and prominent” in the Valley of the Kings. He said that reopening the tomb will be a great addition to Egypt’s growing heritage tourism sector.
The restoration project was a joint effort by Egyptian, Italian, and Japanese experts. It was carried out in three phases—2001‑2004, 2010‑2012 and 2023‑2024—focusing on preserving the intricate artwork. Khaled emphasized how the tomb’s colorful designs illustrate the artistic and cultural wealth of the New Kingdom.
Amenhotep III ascended the throne as a teenager after his father Thutmose IV’s death. His nearly four‑decade reign is remembered as a golden age of peace and prosperity, with the king based mainly in Thebes rather than the traditional capital of Memphis. His mummy, like those of other royals, was moved to the Royal Mummies Cache in the late 19th century and now sits in Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
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