KV55
Archaeological Site Mysterious Amarna-period tomb with debated occupant
An Egyptian tomb in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, frequented by scholars and visitors examining New Kingdom mortuary art and inscriptions.
KV55 is a tomb in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, associated with Amarna-period finds and complex identification issues. Excavated in the early 20th century, the tomb produced a mixture of objects linked to the Amarna era and a single male mummy.
The combination of grave goods and the human remains has led to scholarly debate about whether the burial belongs to Akhenaten, Smenkhkare, or another Amarna-period figure; the identification remains contested in Egyptology. Conservation work and study of the remains and objects have continued to inform the discussion.
The tomb is located within the Valley of the Kings archaeological zone on Luxor’s west bank, among other New Kingdom and later burials.
- Controversial identification: Discovered in the early 20th century, the tomb contained mixed Amarna-period objects and a single male burial, leading to long-running debate over the occupant's identity.
How to Get to KV55 #
Same as other Valley tombs: cross to Luxor’s West Bank and either hire a licensed guide or take local transport to the Valley of the Kings. Site staff post notices about which tombs are open on any given day.
Tips for Visiting KV55 #
- KV55 is especially sensitive - the tomb is linked to the Amarna period and sometimes closed for study.
- If the tomb is open, listen closely to a guide: KV55's artifacts are central to debates about Akhenaten and Amarna-era succession.
Best Time to Visit KV55 #
Avoid summer heat; KV55 is often closed due to conservation or research priorities-check ahead.
Weather & Climate near KV55 #
KV55's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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