When the Egyptian empire began to expand, and an increasing amount of families gained notoriety, more and more people demanded higher status funerals.

Tombs were then constructed, varying from mastabas (a type of ancient Egyptian tomb in the form of a flat-roofed, rectangular structure) right through to the very pyramids we see today.

Situated along the Nile, The Valley of Kings is one of these burial sites, set in the ancient city of Thebes. And it is one of modern-day Egypt’s most visited attractions.

However, general photography is banned – whether to keep the crowds moving, boost gift shop sales, or due to the myth that flashes have dire effects – so Czech journalist and photographer Jakub Kyncl got special permission to capture the interiors of the tombs.

It’s pretty epic. Check the captions for more information:

The tomb of Ramses VI

The main chamber with the sarcophagus in the tomb of Ramesses VI

The tomb of Ramesses VI

The walkway of the tomb of Ramesses VI towards the main chamber

The tomb area of Queen Tausert

The exit of Queen Tausert’s tomb, guarded by two paintings of the god of death Anubis

Here’s what Jakub had to say about the opportunity:

These incredible views of the tombs were something quite accessible to European tourists around 10 or so years ago. But not anymore.

When I did a lecture about the Nile Valley to a group of 15-year-old school children about a month ago, I was shocked to find out that none of those 40 kids have ever been to Egypt.

The burial chamber inside the tomb of Ay, the penultimate king of Egypt’s 18th dynasty and the predecessor to King Tutankhamun

Egypt was once a ‘must go’ destination for families with children. Unfortunately, that is no longer true and it is unclear what the future holds in the country. We can only hope things will change.

Even with all the necessary permissions, at each tomb, it took at least a few minutes to assure the guards that I am allowed to take these photographs. Several were afraid of letting me in with a camera, which all tourists have to leave by the entrance of the valley.

Art in the tomb area of Horemheb

The tomb area of Horemheb

Vibrant wall art within the tomb of Horemheb, the last Pharoah of the 18th dynasty

While I was leaving one of the tombs, a police car was parked outside and a policeman asked: ‘Are you the Czech photographer?’. I nodded and he instructed me to get in the car,” recalled the photographer. “I was pale as chalk at this point, but it turned out he just wanted to give me a ride to the exit. He even opened the car door for me – and he gave me a salute. This is the true character of Egypt we’re unable to see these days.”

It’s not every day you get to look inside these tombs, so thanks for the peek Jakub.

[source: telegraph]