Among the open-air museums along the banks of the Nile River are the archaeological district formed by Luxor (ancient Thebes) and the Valley of the Kings, "rediscovered" a century ago. The two sites form an exceptional repository of historical and artistic riches still awaiting complete exploration. This volume is dedicated to the monuments of Luxor and the vast region known as the Valley of the Kings. Through tours of all the most important sites, analysis of the finds and the splendid works of art contained in the burial chambers, and explanation of the latest archaeological discoveries, this book reconstructs historical events buried beneath the sands for thousands of years. It offers the reader, with the help of magnificent photographs and detailed maps, a fantastic voyage through the Ancient Egypt of the pharaohs. Alessandro Bongioanni earned his degree in Egyptology at the University of Turin and has published numerous articles in Italian and international magazines. A consultant on Egyptological issues for many radio and television networks, he has collaborated on various books and catalogs.