QV66

QV66 is the designation of a Theban tomb in the Valley of the Queens, on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, Egypt. The tomb is generally attributed to Queen Nefertari, the chief wife of Ramesses II, and dates to the 19th Dynasty (around the 13th century BCE). It is widely regarded as one of the most elaborately decorated tombs in the Valley of the Queens.

Architecturally, QV66 comprises an outer vestibule and a corridor that opens into a main burial chamber and a small side chapel. The walls and ceiling are adorned with polychrome reliefs and paintings that depict Nefertari before deities such as Hathor, as well as scenes from the Book of the Dead. The iconography emphasizes the queen’s high status and her role in the afterlife rites of the period.

Discovery and conservation: QV66 was explored in the early 20th century by the Italian Archaeological Mission led by Ernesto Schiaparelli. Over time it has undergone conservation to address water intrusion and structural stress. Because of its fragile paintings, access to the tomb has been carefully managed, with periods of restricted or regulated visitation and, at times, viewing via replicas rather than full public access.

Significance: As part of the Theban Necropolis, QV66 contributes valuable insight into royal funerary practices and the status of queens in New Kingdom Egypt. The Theban Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the broader historical importance of the site.