Tomb of Ramses VI (KV 9) Guide: Ceilings and Burial Chamber

The Tomb of Ramses VI (KV 9) serves as a primary example of 20th Dynasty funerary architecture, requiring a separate entry ticket of 220 Egyptian Pounds as of late 2025. This straight-axis structure extends 117 meters into the limestone bedrock of the Valley of the Kings, offering a spacious alternative to the tighter, winding corridors of earlier royal burials. Most visitors prioritize this site for its vibrant colors, which have survived three millennia with startling clarity due to the tomb's dry environment and early accidental burial under debris.

The Shared Origins of Ramses V and Ramses VI

A Double Royal Legacy

Originally intended for Pharaoh Ramses V around 1145 BC, the excavation reached only the fourth corridor before his death. His successor, Ramses VI, decided to enlarge and extend the existing structure rather than starting a new tomb from scratch—a decision likely influenced by the economic strain of the late New Kingdom. This choice created a rare dual-use monument where the cartouches of the nephew were eventually replaced or layered over by those of the uncle. While archaeologists believe Ramses V was initially buried here, his mummy was later moved to KV 35 for protection against tomb robbers.

Architectural Dimensions and Layout

The tomb is remarkably easy to navigate because of its linear design, which lacks the steep stairs and sharp turns found in the tombs of Seti I or Thutmose III. It consists of three entrance corridors followed by a pillared chamber, two lower corridors, and a final vestibule that opens into the massive burial chamber. The ceiling height remains consistent at roughly four to five meters, providing a sense of scale that allows for large-scale mural programs. This lack of architectural complexity turned the focus entirely toward the theological content etched into every available square inch of stone.

Decorative Masterpieces and the Celestial Ceiling

The Book of the Earth and the Heavens

The burial chamber contains the most significant artistic achievement in the valley: the double-arched ceiling depicting the sky goddess Nut. Two colossal figures of the goddess represent the night and day skies, shown in the act of swallowing the sun at dusk and giving birth to it at dawn. This cycle of solar regeneration is surrounded by star maps and the Book of the Earth, a rare funerary text that is rarely found outside this specific chamber. The deep blue pigments and yellow star patterns remain so crisp that they appear almost modern to the naked eye.

Ancient Graffiti and Historical Tourism

Unlike many other tombs that were sealed and forgotten, KV 9 remained accessible throughout the Greco-Roman period and became an ancient tourist attraction. Scholars have documented 995 individual pieces of graffiti on the walls, written mostly in Greek but also in Latin, Demotic, and Coptic. These inscriptions range from simple names to reviews of the artwork, including one visitor who noted they liked nothing except the sarcophagus. During this era, travelers believed the tomb belonged to the legendary Ethiopian king Memnon, leading to its frequent inclusion in ancient Mediterranean itineraries.

Practical Visitor Information

Access and Photography Guidelines

Reaching the entrance requires a short walk from the central Valley of the Kings shuttle drop-off point. The site now operates on a strictly cashless basis, meaning you must have a credit or debit card to purchase the specialized entry ticket at the main visitor center. Photography with a smartphone is generally included in the entry price, but using a professional DSLR requires an additional permit that costs significantly more. The interior is well-lit with LED bulbs, though bringing a small flashlight can help reveal the finer details of the relief carvings in the darker corners of the side chambers.

Protecting Tutankhamun's Legacy

History owes a debt to the construction of KV 9 for the preservation of the world's most famous archaeological discovery. When workmen were digging the upper sections of the Ramses VI tomb, they built their temporary limestone huts directly over the older, lower entrance of Tutankhamun's tomb (KV 62). The waste stone and debris from the Ramses VI project buried the smaller entrance so effectively that it remained hidden from tomb robbers and early explorers for over 3,000 years. Howard Carter eventually found the boy king's tomb only after clearing away the foundations of these 20th Dynasty worker huts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter the Tomb of Ramses VI?

As of 2025, the entry fee is 220 Egyptian Pounds for adults and 110 for students with a valid international ID. This is a separate ticket that must be purchased at the main gate in addition to the general Valley of the Kings admission. Payments are card-only at the ticket office.

Is the Tomb of Ramses VI worth the extra ticket price?

Most travelers consider this the best value of the supplemental tombs because the preservation of color is superior to the three standard tombs included in the general pass. The astronomical ceiling alone provides a visual scale that is not matched by any other accessible tomb in the necropolis except perhaps Seti I. It is particularly recommended for those interested in photography or ancient Egyptian astronomy.

Can you take photos inside the tomb?

Mobile phone photography is permitted without an extra fee as long as you do not use a flash, which can damage the ancient pigments. Professional cameras and tripods require a special photography permit that costs approximately 300 Egyptian Pounds. Guards monitor the site closely to ensure visitors respect these regulations.

How long does a typical visit take?

An average walk-through takes between 20 and 30 minutes due to the length of the 117-meter corridor and the complexity of the wall texts. If you intend to study the specific scenes in the Book of Gates or the Book of Caverns, you should allow for at least 45 minutes. The tomb can get crowded during the mid-morning rush, so early or late afternoon visits are quieter.

Who was buried in KV 9?

The tomb was used by both Ramses V and Ramses VI, though only the latter's burial is fully celebrated in the final decorative program. Their mummies were not found here by modern excavators as they were moved to a cache in KV 35 during the 21st Dynasty to prevent their desecration. The broken stone sarcophagus of Ramses VI still sits in the burial chamber for visitors to view.