The exhibition at the NGV will feature artefacts connected to ancient Egypt’s most famous kings – including Tutankhamun and Ramses II .

The NGV’s 2024 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces showcase, Pharaoh, will be the largest exhibit ever toured by the British Museum internationally, featuring more than 500 treasured objects spanning 3000 years.

The works will we displayed across the NGV’s entire ground floor, and include large-scale sculptures, tomb and temple architecture, coffins and funerary objects, and exquisite jewellery

As we look forward to the Pharoah exhibition it might be useful to have some background knowledge to this not to be missed event

The word ‘pharaoh’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘great home’. It was originally used to describe the kingdom, but eventually became the name of Ancient Egypt’s ruler

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt were the supreme rulers of the land, similar to today’s kings and queens. They were both the religious and political leaders of the country and were often thought of as one of the gods. Because of this, their duties included making sure the people were safe and the country made a profit.

Historians divide up the timeline of Ancient Egypt history by the dynasties of the pharaohs. A dynasty is when one family remained in power by passing it down through the generations. In the 3000 years of Ancient Egypt history, it is believed there were 31 dynasties.

Many  Pharaohs did this by making war and conquering nearby cultures to take their wealth and make sure they couldn’t attack them. Other Pharaohs took a more peaceful approach and established friendships as well as trade with other countries.

As soon as a pharaoh came into power it was expected they would begin building their burial tomb. Their tombs were magnificent buildings that took a very long time to construct. It was believed that anything within the tomb would help them live well in the afterlife, so they filled them with as much gold and treasures as they could. They were built in the shape of a pyramid and the largest one ever built is still standing today.

Forthcoming Bulletins will feature some interesting facts concerning the Pharoah Dynasties as background knowledge for your visit.

Our visit on 23rd July will include an information session at  commencing at 10.00 a.m. with admission from 11.00 a.m.

We have a limited number of places so be sure to register and pay promptly.  https://www.trybooking.com/CSQYF

Thanks to Wikipedia for illustrations:

Uraeus depicted on king Den, ivory label found at his tomb in Abydos, c. 3000 BCE, British Museum, London  (left)

Nomen and prenomen of Ramesses III  (right)