Four years after captivating visitors with a legendary pharaoh exhibition, Paris is once again hosting a spectacular event celebrating ancient Egypt. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the majestic sarcophagus of Ramses II, a timeless treasure shining under the spotlight. The event offers visitors an immersive journey into the life and reign of one of the most renowned pharaohs in history.
“Miraculous,” “dazzling,” and “astonishing” are the words chosen by Egyptologist Benedicte Lhoyer, scientific advisor to the Ramses II exhibition, which opens Friday at the Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris. The event, which runs through September 6, unveils the mysterious sarcophagus of the legendary pharaoh, thanks to an unprecedented collaboration between France and Egypt.
The 2019 Tutankhamun exhibition captivated over 1.4 million visitors, and now it’s time to explore the life and reign of Ramses II, often referred to as the “king of kings” or the “Sun King.” Excitement is already building, with more than 145,000 tickets sold before the public opening, surpassing Tutankhamun’s pre-opening figures.
Lhoyer highlights Ramses II’s unparalleled legacy, including his 66-year reign, marriage to the incomparably beautiful Nefertari, and a large family of at least 50 sons and 60 daughters. The last time the pharaoh’s artifacts visited France was in 1976 when French scientists were called upon to save the mummy from the ravages of time. Since then, the bond between France and Egypt has only strengthened, according to the Egyptologist.
After touring the US and before landing in Australia, the Ramses II exhibition arrived in Paris, showcasing an array of talents, including enchanting music, elegant scenography, and a plethora of precious objects such as statues and jewelry. Visitors are invited to delve into more than three millennia of enthralling history, with over 180 original treasures on display, some never before seen outside Egypt. The exhibition’s design highlights every aspect of the pharaoh’s life, featuring a 3D animation that transports visitors to the Battle of Qadesh, where Egypt faced off against the Hittite Empire.
The centerpiece of this immersive journey is the visit to the burial chamber of Ramses II, the builder king. In contrast to the Tutankhamun exhibition, organizers had to innovate when presenting Ramses II’s tomb, as its original 820 square meters were stolen during Ramses IX’s reign. As a result, they assembled precious relics from other burial chambers, particularly those of Egyptian princesses.
Among these artifacts is the imposing mask of King Amenemope’s coffin. However, the true highlight of the exhibition is the sumptuous painted wooden coffin of Ramses II, minus the mummy. Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak expressed her excitement during the presentation of the coffin, describing it as an “invaluable opportunity” and an “indescribable emotion” for visitors of all ages.
The displayed sarcophagus, in which the king lies with his arms crossed, holding the heqa scepter and nekhakha whip, is not the original sarcophagus of Ramses II. According to the Egyptologist, it was crucial to protect the mummy following the tomb’s looting. For nearly a century, the mummy resided in Pharaoh Seti I’s tomb before finding refuge in the showcased sarcophagus, where it has remained for over 2,800 years. Egyptologist Bénédicte Lhoyer concludes, “Ramses II has triumphed over the ephemeral. Just like Tutankhamun, he has become immortal.”
With AFP
