Pharaoh’s Egypt

The age of god-kings saw pre-dynastic farming communities along the Nile in ancient Egypt develop into a sophisticated urban civilisation with towns, armies and organised religion. Pyramids served as gigantic tombs for the ruling pharaohs and its vast ruined temples still capture the imagination.  For nearly 3000 years Egypt was a super-power of the ancient world, until the Later Period (c 664-332 BC) when it was invaded by Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Macedonian Greeks and then became part of the Roman Empire in 30 BC.

The Museum’s collections include predynastic stone tools and pottery, Dynastic amulets, jewellery, figurines, painted panels and ceramics.  A wonderful gilt cartonnage mask is a highlight.