The Valley of the Kings took its name from the furnished rock-cut tombs for the kings of the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth Dynasties. At least 26 of the 32 rulers of these dynasties were buried in the Valley of the Kings.

It is a small valley that lies about six kilometers or four miles from the western bank of the Nile at Thebes. It is 70 meters or 230 feet above the level of the river Nile.

The valley was probably chosen as the burial place for royalty because of its geology and relatively convenient access to the Nile flood plain. The pyramid-shaped mountain, called the Qurn, which means forehead or horn, rises about 300 meters or 984 feet and was perhaps used as a symbol of the god Re.

The tombs that were discovered in the valley were not reserved exclusively for kings. Some were dug for various officials, royal family members, and priests.