The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile opposite modern Luxor, in the heart of the Theban necropolis. The area consists of two valleys: the East Valley (where most of the royal tombs are located) and the West Valley (the so-called Valley of the Apes). Over a period of almost 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BC, the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom found their final resting place there in rock-cut tombs. The valley comprises 64 tombs and chambers. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and provide information about the beliefs and burial practices of the time. Almost all the tombs appear to have been opened and robbed in ancient times, but they still convey an idea of the opulence and power of the pharaohs.