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A project of the American Research Center in Egypt
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Entrances to QVU1, QV65, and QV67. QV66, visitors shelter, and QV52 in background.
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About

About

QV Unknown 1 is a single-chambered tomb on the south side of the main Wadi, adjacent to QV 67 and QV 69. The shaft entrance has a modern, cemented masonry surround and a metal grill with torn mesh.

This tomb is currently covered by the prototype of the GCI-SCA proposed shaft cover. Humidity and temperature are being monitored but the GCI-SCA to determine the effects on the environment of the closed shaft cover. As the tomb is not included on any extant map, its official number is unknown and requires confirmation.

Site History

The tomb was constructed in the 18th Dynasty and it is uncertain as to whether there was any reuse.

Dating

This site was used during the following period(s):

New Kingdom
Dynasty 18

Exploration

2006-2008: Survey and Documentation
Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA)
2008: Conservation
Getty Conservation Institute
2009: Conservation
Getty Conservation Institute

Conservation

Site Condition

The tomb is considered stable by the GCI-SCA, although there are signs of rock deterioration. Marl in the shaft exhibits areas of surface fracturing and detachment. Inside the chamber, rows of chert nodules and perpendicular joints reveal drastically upturned bedding planes. Thick, cracked mud covers the floor and is occasionally caked on the walls, indicating that a relatively large amount of flood water and debris has entered the tomb. This was corroborated by Christian Leblanc, who recalls having to pump water out of the tomb after the 1994 flood. Localized signs of bats are present, as are mud wasp nests. Floodwaters have contributed to the precipitation of salts in fissures throughout the tomb. 

Articles

Bibliography

Demas, Martha and Neville Agnew (eds). Valley of the Queens. Assessment Report. Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute, 2012, 2016. Two vols.