The tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III was opened in Egypt for the first time in two decades (4 photos)

In Egypt, the tomb of an ancient pharaoh was ceremoniously opened after two decades of restoration work. The result exceeded all expectations. The tomb belonged to Amenhotep III, one of the most powerful pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. He reigned from 1390 to 1350 BC.





Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy unveiled the tomb to the public in Luxor on October 4. Images of the pharaoh and his wife once again shine on the walls.

The complex, one of the largest in the Valley of the Kings, includes a burial chamber for the pharaoh and two others for his wives, Tiye and Sitamun. Tiye, a woman of common origin, became Amenhotep III's primary wife and one of the most powerful queens in Egyptian history. Sitamun was their daughter.

Pharaohs often married their eldest daughters. This strengthened the royal lineage and increased their political and religious influence.

Amenhotep III had a son and successor, Amenhotep IV. He introduced a short-lived monotheistic religion to Egypt, proclaiming the cult of Aten (the solar tablet).



The tomb of Amenhotep III was first discovered in 1799. All its contents, including the sarcophagus, were stolen.

Nevertheless, the ancient priests placed the pharaoh's mummified body in the tomb of his grandfather, Amenhotep II, also located in the Valley of the Kings.

Today, the mummy of the ancient ruler is on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.





The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Pyramids of Giza, will officially open on November 1st. The tourism sector plays a vital role in the country's economy, and the government plans to increase its contribution to GDP.