Pharaoh: King of Egypt
16 July –
25 September 2011
Great North
Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne
Free
Supported through the generosity
of the Dorset Foundation
Exhibition themes
The Pharaohs of ancient Egypt presented themselves as all-powerful, brave military leaders and devout rulers. As representative of the gods on earth, it was a pharaoh’s duty to maintain universal order through ritual and by protecting Egypt from foreign enemies. Their monuments and treasures project an image of power, but the realities of Egyptian kingship were often very different. At times, Egypt was divided by civil war, conquered by foreign powers, or ruled by competing pharaohs.
The objects in this exhibition have been chosen to explore the role of kingship in ancient Egypt. They are divided into themes, reflecting royal life, duties, and challenges. Spanning over 3,000 years of history, they range from exquisite palace decorations to accounts of assassination attempts. While many surviving objects from Egypt project the image pharaohs wanted us to see, the exhibition also explores the realities of ruling this dynamic civilisation.
Born of the gods
Pharaoh was thought to be an incarnation of the god Horus, and when he died he was transformed into the god Osiris.
A home for the gods
The Egyptian word for temple means ‘House of God’ and temple building was an essential part of the pharaohs’ relationship with the gods.
Pleasing the gods
As High Priest, pharaohs performed the most important religious rituals, making offerings of prayer, clothing, food, drink and perfume.
Royal life
Pharaohs often had very large families. Ramses II, for example, was said to be father to over 80 children.
Palace life
Palaces were not only homes, but also official residences where domestic and foreign guests were received.
Royal regalia and titles
Royal clothing separated the pharaoh from ordinary people, from elaborate jewellery to crowns and fine linen.
Festivals and memory
Pharaohs celebrated their control over Egypt at jubilee festivals, but ancient stories show us they were not always highly-regarded.
Officials and government
In the time of the pharaohs a vast administration of officials and scribes ensured the smooth running of the country.
Adopting royal traditions
Ancient Egypt experienced several invasions, and foreign rulers often adopted Egyptian royal titles and religious traditions.
A country in chaos
Ancient Egyptians believed pharaoh was responsible for maintaining order, but at times the country was divided by civil war.
Imagery of war
Many artistic representations from ancient Egypt show pharaohs engaged in battle, smiting their enemies.
War and diplomacy
Pharaohs had armies to fight their battles for them, but they often relied on diplomacy, trading letters and gifts with foreign powers.
Royal burial
Deceased kings were identified with Osiris, Lord of the Underworld, and the sun-god Ra to ensure their rebirth in the afterlife.