Question

Why did pharoahs abandon pyramids in favour of the rock-cut tombs in the valley of kings?

Answer 1

The pharaohs abandoned pyramids in favor of rock-cut tombs in the Valley of the Kings for a few reasons. One reason is that the pyramids were becoming too visible and easily accessible, which made them vulnerable to theft and looting. The rock-cut tombs, on the other hand, were hidden in the cliffs of the valley, providing better security for the pharaohs and their treasures. Additionally, the rock-cut tombs allowed for more intricate and elaborate burial chambers and decorations, providing a more personalized and grand final resting place for the pharaohs.

Answer 2

Pharaohs stopped building pyramids and turned to rock-cut tombs in the Valley of the Kings due to the inefficiency of pyramid construction, their susceptibility to theft, and a shift in architectural focus during the Middle and New Kingdoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pharaohs abandoned the construction of pyramids in favor of the rock-cut tombs in the Valley of the Kings for several reasons. Initially, pyramids served as monumental tombs that mirrored the Early Egyptian Dynasty's belief in the afterlife and demonstrated the pharaoh's power. However, these massive structures required massive resources and labor to construct. For instance, the pyramid of Khufu is believed to have been built by a workforce of around twenty thousand over many years. As the Middle Kingdom emerged, new architectural forms were introduced and the pyramids of this era, which were built with a core of mud brick, did not survive well after the outer casing stone was reused. By the time of the New Kingdom, Egyptians had turned away from pyramid construction towards rock-cut tombs that offered greater security against theft and more efficient use of resources.

The construction of these tombs in the Valley of the Kings represented an evolution in burial practices and architectural styles, including a focus on temples and statues. Monumental architecture of the era featured temples and statues such as the Great Temple at Abu Simbel. The rock-cut tombs were also less conspicuous, reducing the likelihood of grave robbing. One of the most famous examples is the tomb of Tutankhamun, which, despite its smaller size compared to the grandeur of the pyramids, is the most complete ancient Egyptian royal tomb ever found.