About the Exhibition
Discover the reign of Ramses the Great:
Builder, Warrior, God.
More influential than Tutankhamun, though far less mythologised, King Ramses II, widely known as Ramses the Great, ruled Egypt for nearly 67 years. 3,000 years later and he still remains one of history’s most iconic pharaohs. Known for his extensive monument-building, military strategy and diplomacy, and a vast dynasty of more than 100 children, this exhibition invites you to witness the power of a reign and explore the rise of a ruler who sought not only to command an empire, but to secure his immortality for millennia to come.
'Dazzling'
THE TELEGRAPH
‘EXTRAORDINARY’
THE TIMES
‘THRILLING’
RADIO TIMES
The Collection
The Coffin of Ramses II
The Coffin of Ramses Il is a work of inestimable value. The king is represented as an Osiris (God of the afterlife): arms crossed on his chest, he holds the two royal sceptres, the crook and the whip. He sports the nemes headdress decorated with the erect cobra and a false beard braided beneath his chin.
The Limestone Colossus
The Limestone colossus depicts Ramses Il standing and clasping a mekes, the cylinder used as a document case to hold papyri. Ramses Il is wearing the nemes (a striped headdress worn only by kings) and sports a false beard. He also carries a dagger, which is squeezed into the belt of his pleated skirt.
The mask of King Amenemope
The mask of King Amenemope is composed of thick sheets of gold moulded with the king's features and is made of gold, wood, bronze, carnelian and lapis lazuli. His round face is surmounted by the uraeus, the royal cobra, which is attached to the forehead.
The funery mask of General Wendjebauendjed
The funery mask of General Wendjebauendjed, is made of gold (the flesh of the gods) with eyes highlighted using glass inlay. it was designed to preserve the idealised portrait of the General and was placed on his mummy so he could contemplate eternity.
The Battle of Kadesh
Virtual animation depicting the Battle of Kadesh, the largest battle under Ramses Il and one of ancient history's best-known, it lead to the world's earliest known peace treaty, signed about 3,285 years ago.
Accompanying VR experience
Enjoy an immersive VR experience highlighting the magnificent ruins built by Ramses Il, the Temple of Abu Simbel and Queen Nefertari's tomb (additional charge).