QV U1
Anonymous*
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):
Exploration
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.
Area of Entrances to QV67, QV68, QV69, QV70, QV71, QV72, QV73, QV74, QV75, QV82, QV83, QV96, QVU1, and QVU2. Bridge and signage for QV66 in foreground.
Bridge leading to QV66 with entrances to QV64, QV65, QV67, QV69, QVU1, QVU2, QV70, QV71, QV72, QV73, QV74, QV82, and QV96 in background.
Entrances of QV65, QV67, QV69, QVU1, QVU2, QV70, QV71, QV72, QV73, and QV96. Grotto and QV66 with visitors shelter.
Entrances to QVU1, QVU2, QV52, QV67, and QV69 in foreground. Visitors shelter at QV66 and grotto in background.
Entrances to QVU1, QV65, and QV67. QV66, visitors shelter, and QV52 in background.
Entrances to QVU1, QV67, and QV69.
Area in front of QV66 with entrances to QV65, QV67, QV68, QV69, QVU1, QVU2, QV70, and QV71.
Entrances to QV67, QV69, QVU1, QVU2, QV70, QV71, QV96, QV73, QV72, QV74, QV82, and QV75
Entrances to QV20 and QV21 in foreground, with QV96, QV73, QV72, QV74, QV82, QV75 and QV83 in background
Northeastern side of the main wadi with entrances to QVU1, QVU2, QV67, QV68, QV69, QV70, QV71, QV72, QV73, QV74, QV75, QV82, QV83, QV96, and bridge and signage for QV66.
View of the northeastern side of the main wadi with entrances to QVU1, QVU2, QV63, QV64, QV65, QV67, QV69, QV70, QV71, QV72, QV73, QV74, QV96, and QV66 with visitors shelter.
View of the floor in the main chamber with dried cracked mud from past flooding. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
View of the main chamber from the shaft entrance. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
View of corner in the main chamber. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
View of the main chamber. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Detail of dried cracked mud on the floor of the main chamber. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Detail of fallen blocks and dried cracked mud on the floor of the main chamber. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
View of tilted geological block in the main chamber. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Detail of wasps nests in the main chamber. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Detail of shaft entrance. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Shaft entrance of QV U1. © Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Articles
Tomb Numbering Systems in the Valley of the Queens and the Western Wadis
Bibliography
Demas, Martha and Neville Agnew (eds). Valley of the Queens. Assessment Report. Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute, 2012, 2016. Two vols.
