Valley of The Kings

by John Romer

For more than 500 years, the Valley of the Kings held a thriving community--and then it disappeared from the historical records for hundreds of years. Here is the story of the tombs and the ancient royalty buried there, as well as the compelling archeological hunt for the past.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Egyptology, Egypt, Historical, Ancient, Archaeology

373 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

John Louis Romer attended Ottershaw School, the Wimbledon School of Art (1958-1963), and the Royal College of Art (A.R.C.A., 1966) in London. Following this, he traveled and studied in the Near East and married his wife Yvonne Elizabeth de Coetlogan Aylwin (Beth), an artist and writer. After a brief stint teaching the history of art and architecture at art colleges in England and Wales (1968-1972), he worked as an epigraphic artist with the British Institute in Iran at Persepolis and Pasargadae in 1972. He worked as an artist in epigraphic studies — with the German Archaeological Institute in Cairo, 1972-1973, and with the Oriental Institute Epigraphic Survey, 1973-1977 — in the temples and tombs of Thebes. In 1977-1979, he became the Field Director of The Brooklyn Museum’s Theban Expedition, originating and organizing an excavation of the tomb of Ramesses XI in the Valley of the Kings. In 1992, at the request of the Egyptian Organization of Antiquities, he convened a multinational committee to advise and recommend projects and procedures for the conservation of the Valley of the Kings. He is a member of the International Association of Egyptologists and the Egypt Exploration Society. He has been the President of the Theban Foundation since 1979. He has written several acclaimed books and produced some excellent documentaries. His primary interests are in the preservation of antiquities, and in making the past meaningful to present-day people. When he is not busy writing books, making documentaries, or pushing for conservation in the Valley of the Kings, he and his wife live in Aiola, Tuscany, Italy.

Reviews

[Jamie Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn’t hard to make Egyptology interesting; the lure of uncovering history preserved for thousands of years, the glint of gold, the confrontation with death and with a culture that seemingly embraced it have all captivated the attention of generations. This book is no exception. It presents a chronological history of excavation in the Valley of the Kings, both describing the finds and introducing the varied cast of treasure hunters, archeologists, and entrepreneurs who discovered them. It is a book primarily about Egyptology, rather than of Egyptology, neither idolizing nor absolving the early excavators. Romer’s love for the ancient Egyptians shines through his record of history every time he describes their art or architecture. This is the book’s main drawback, as Romer’s enthusiastic portrayal of the beauties of the valley inspires a desire to see that is not sufficiently served by the book’s few plates and smattering of tomb layouts. I wanted so much more, more pictures and more layouts, maps of the valley, etc. Otherwise thoroughly enjoyable, this book made me long for a trip to Egypt.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st Read: (2002 - 2003)

I had started this book in 2002 or '03 and couldn't really concentrate due to interruptions on my lunch breaks, two full time jobs and a weekend social life. I put it down for awhile and never picked it up again.

2nd Read: June 6, 2016 - June 21, 2016

Great book to help understand that digging in the dirt has its rewards, despite long, agonizing hours, back breaking labor and the politics involved acquiring permits and distribution of antiquities. I'd love to visit the area and walk in the footsteps of the kings and ancient ones. Such a shame that tomb robbers and thieves seem to always get involved to claim "their" share.
We were only taught so much about Egypt in school and all has been forgotten to me, other than the name Howard Carter and his finding of Tutankhamen's tomb. This book is so much more than that particular find, as it explores all known archaeological dig sites and their treasures. In time, I will re-read this one.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected, but an informative, good read. I thought it would be more of a directory of the Valley of the Kings. Instead, it's a thorough history of explorations and excavations of the Valley, from ancient times up to (for the most part) Howard Carter. The author's makes extensive use of quotes from the original explorers and Egyptologists themselves.

[Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started the book thinking it would be about ancient Egyptian history. It is actually about the history of modern exploration and excavation of Egypt. Still interesting and a subject I didn’t know much about before reading.

[Lukerik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A narrative history of of the valley post-burials.

There's a bit in the opening where Romer's describing the Egyptian landscape. You can feel the weight of history pressing in on you and it's only the limits of your own imagination that stops you being crushed. The man's a poet.

Unfortunately some technical problems with the writing contuses the meaning of some of his sentences. That problem is intermittent however, and the book is on the whole enjoyable.

Romer's particularly good on Egyptian art and makes a number of insightful comments. I understand he's an artist himself.

The book is particularly well illustrated, avoiding the glossy whore-shots you can find anywhere and using a lot of things you'll not find anywhere else.

If you're interested, Romer did a couple of excellent documentaries that complement this book: Romer's Egypt and Ancient Lives. You can find them knocking about on Youtube.

[Katrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writing is so dull. This is such an engrossing topic but this book literally put me to sleep on and off for years. Actual years trying to stay awake long enough to finish it. Author is knowledgeable but not a writer by trade that much is regrettably obvious.

[John Bohnert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen the author on TV programs about ancient Egypt.
The man loves his subject and makes it clear to the average reader.

[Russell Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of the history of this most Rich of Valleys.