"Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs"

Some photos from the latest exhibit at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Ramses II lead a thousand years after the pyramids, and a thousand years before Cleopatra. His historic 67-year-long reign was marked by epic achievements in building and battle. He died in his 90's, an incredibly advanced age for the times. His burial chamber was plundered in the centuries after his death. This exhibit presents a collection of 181 priceless examples of Egyptian artifacts, to hint at the level of worship that would have been found in Ramses II's burial chamber.

funerary mask.

Welcome to the exhibit.

This 8-foot-tall piece of Ramses II greets you at the beginning of the exhibit.

Loving the fingers and toe coverings for the deceased...

Coffin for a cat mummy. Because you can't leave your beloved pets behind.

Outer coffin.

The Battle of Kadesh was retold on the ancient walls of Egypt as a legendary victory. It might've been more of a legendary draw.

The upper item is a collar worn by an ancient Egyptian princess. The lower item is a girdle. Yes, the girdle is at least 2,000 years old.

I did not spring for the virtual reality experience.