Egypt has officially reopened one of the most important royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings following a remarkable 20-year restoration effort. The tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who reigned over ancient Egypt during its golden age from 1390 to 1350 BC, reopened to visitors on October 4, 2025, celebrating a significant milestone in international archaeological collaboration.
Public visitors follow the authorities into the tomb for the first time at its opening. (Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
The Grand Design and Riches of the Tomb
Amenhotep III's tomb is one of the largest burial chambers in the Valley of Kings, featuring a descending passageway that is 36 meters long and 14 meters deep, leading to three interconnected chambers. The main burial chamber is where the pharaoh is interred, while two additional chambers are reserved for his wives, Queens Tiye and Sitamun. The interior of the tomb showcases remarkable artistic skill, with paintings that depict Amenhotep III alongside ancient Egyptian gods and scenes from the Book of the Dead. The ceiling is adorned with yellow stars on a deep blue background, symbolizing the celestial realm, while the walls of the burial chamber are inscribed with texts from the Amduat, ancient writings intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife.
The restoration team successfully put together more than 200 pieces of the pharaoh's red granite sarcophagus lid, which had suffered damage due to centuries of tomb raiding. The reconstructed lid is now placed on a specially crafted metal basee, allowing visitors to appreciate this remarkable artifact in its proper context.
Amenhotep III's vigorous efforts are bound to draw on significant amounts of red and root chakra energy. It's not surprising that the red garnet holding that energy were targeted and destroyed. This suggests he may have created some enemies in the past..
Left; The sarcophagus lid in the burial chamber of Amenhotep III. Right: Decorated pillar. (Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
A Testament to Amenhotep the Great's Legacy
Amenhotep III, often referred to as "Amenhotep the Great," became pharaoh as a teenager and ruled for 38 years, a period marked by the apex of Egypt's New Kingdom. His reign was characterized by more centralized administration, artistic innovation, and significant diplomatic relationships throughout the ancient Near East. He is known for commissioning many architectural wonders, including expansions to Karnak Temple and the renowned Colossi of Memnon.
The tomb was first uncovered in 1799 by French engineers Prosper Jollois and Édouard de Villiers du Terrage during Napoleon's campaign in Egypt, although it had been recognized by earlier explorers. British archaeologist Howard Carter completed a thorough excavation in 1915, uncovering the tomb's full scope despite the considerable looting that had taken place over the years. The restoration also involved upgrading the tomb's infrastructure with better lighting, improved safety measures for the steep entrance stairs, and detailed informational displays that educate visitors about the tomb's historical importance and the restoration efforts.
An International Restoration Efforts
The restoration initiative was carried out through an exceptional collaboration involving Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Waseda and Higashi Nippon universities from Japan, and UNESCO's Japanese Trust Fund. The tomb was officially inaugurated by Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy, alongside Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of UNESCO's Regional Office in Cairo.
The project progressed through three clearly defined phases: the first from 2001 to 2004, the second from 2010 to 2012, and the final phase from 2023 to 2024. This careful strategy enabled international specialists to tackle the intricate issues of salt buildup, structural damage, and the degradation of wall paintings that had affected the tomb since its discovery.
Significance for Egypt's Tourism Renaissance
The tomb's reopening coincides with Egypt's broader efforts to revitalize its tourism sector, which serves as a crucial source of foreign currency. The inauguration comes just weeks before the anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, scheduled for November 1, 2025.
Egyptian restorer Mohamed Mahmoud, who dedicated over twenty years of his career to this project, was specially honored during the opening ceremony. Despite reaching retirement age, Mahmoud insisted on attending the ceremony to witness the culmination of his life's work, representing the dedication of countless Egyptian and international specialists who made this achievement possible.
The project exemplifies successful international cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can safeguard ancient treasures for future generations. The restored tomb now features protective measures designed to prevent further deterioration while allowing public access to one of ancient Egypt's most significant archaeological sites.