Product Description

Tomb 5 - the tomb surrounding that of Tutankhamen - had been looted, explored and discounted decades ago. So convinced were the authorities that nothing more was to be found in this area that plans were going ahead to build a carpark. In one final exploration of what had become a dumping ground for previous excavator's debris, Dr Kent Weeks, an American archaeologist, discovered a multiple corridored tomb of 62 chambers. They had stumbled upon a crypt fit for 50 princes - the sons of Rameses II - which had remained undisturbed for 2,000 years. It is known now as KV 5 - the greatest archaeological discovery for 75 years and the biggest and most complex tomb ever found in Egypt. Kent Weeks has written the book himself using his daily journals. The journal method heightens the drama; the author had no idea that he was on the verge of such a major find.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #192738 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

A fascinating book, written by a man with true passion.
This book is written by a man who clearly knows his Egyptology. He writes with a true passion for his work and this passion easily spills out of the covers and into the reader. The book starts with an almost autobiographical feel to the life and work of Dr.Weeks but moves swiftly to the beginning of his work in Eygpt. It is here that he begins his seemingly endless task of mapping the entire area of the Theban Necropolis - the Valley of the Kings. Whilst carrying out this task it transpires that several of the tombs, discovered and opened either in ancient times or in the last couple of hundred years, are now 'missing'. This book tells the story of the 're-discovery' of one of them; what turns out to be the largest and most unusual of all tombs in Eygpt; KV5.

I found the book a compelling read and thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in history as a whole.

A must for Egypt addicts
This book is an excellent read, providing a fascinating insight into the excavation of the largest tomb in the Valley of the Kings. It helps you both understand the significance of the tomb itself but also the thoughts and feelings of those working in it. The narrative is a bit plodding at times, which is why I have not given it full marks. This is to be expected really as the author is an archaeologist and so presumably is used to documenting in fine detail, rather than for "entertainment value". However, this does not detract hugely from the book as a whole.

The discoveries documented are a fascinating development in the archaeology of Egypt as a whole, and it is arguably the most important discovery since Tutankhamun. They may be of particular interest to those with an interest in Rameses II as the tomb is that of his sons. The book is also particularly interesting if you are interested in how the process of an excavation works, both the problems faced and the triumphs. Well worth a read.

The Way Ahead
This is the way all books about Egypt should be written. If they are intended for the General public and experts on the subject. He explains not only why the tombs were "Lost" but how they were found again. The interelation between other tombs and the great confusion that KV5 has caused. This is the reason that Tutankhamun is not the only important tomb to be seen - maybe one day KV5 will be open for everone to see. That will be the day that Tutankhamuns tomb will become second place in the Valley of the Kings