‘Gold was the skin of the gods; their bones were made of silver. The gods’ hair was made of lapis lazuli, an intense blue rock imported from Afghanistan.’
Ever since I can remember I’ve been drawn to the majesty and mystery of all things Egyptian, and was very fortunate this last year to experience two wonderful Egyptian exhibition collections, the first at Turin’s celebrated Museo Egizio.
On exhibit now at Sydney’s Australian Museum, Ramses and the Gold of the Pharoahs is an extensive collection of fascinating, beautiful and incredibly well-preserved artworks and artefacts, which tell the story and celebrate the life and achievements of Ramses II.
Ramses II (1292–1190 BC) – also known as Ramses the Great – ruled Egypt for 67 years, and is believed to have lived until his 90s. The numerous still-visible temples and monuments built in honour of his conquests and accomplishments, speak of his many victories and the prosperity of his reign.
He negotiated the first known international peace treaty (still the basis of modern day peace treaties), had over 200 wives or concubines and fathered over 100 children.
If you go, make sure you leave time for the super fun VR experience back to ancient Egypt’s Abu Simbel.
