The Pharaohs’ Golden Parade
The Pharaohs’ Golden Parade was one for the ages. On Saturday, April 3, Egyptians witnessed the historic procession of 22 mummies through the streets of Cairo. During the parade, the mummies traveled from the Egyptian Museum to their new resting place – the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, just three miles away. The undeniably lavish procession, known as the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade, was a multi-million dollar event befitting of the national treasures.
The Pharaohs’ Golden Parade
During the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade, sixty motorcycles and 150 horses escorted the mummies from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). The mummies – 18 kings and four queens – were transported in chronological order in custom vehicles outfitted with special shock absorbers.
Furthermore, special nitrogen-filled boxes held the mummies and ensured they were protected against varying temperatures and external conditions. In addition to the special vehicles, the Egyptians repaved the roads along the route to ensure a smooth journey. Upon arrival at the NMEC, the mummies received a ceremonial 21-gun salute.
All of the mummies from the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade date back to the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. For instance, among them were King Ramses II, the most famous pharaoh of the New Kingdom, and Queen Hatshepsut. The other mummies transported were Pharaoh Ramses IX, Pharaoh Ramses VI, Pharaoh Ramses V, Pharaoh Seti I, Pharaoh Seqenenre, Pharaoh Thutmose III, Queen Meritamen, and Queen Ahmose Nefertari.
The mummies will spend 15 days in a laboratory in preparation for their installation at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
The NMEC, a UNESCO project, is the first museum in the Arab world devoted to the entirety of Egyptian civilization. As such, the museum has six thematic galleries, including the Royal Mummies Hall. The five other galleries cover the dawn of civilization, the Nile, writing, state and society, material culture, and beliefs and thinking.
While the NMEC is already open to the public, it will display the mummies beginning April 18th in the Royal Mummies Hall, designed to replicate the Valley of the Kings.
The parade was certainly a grand event. If you missed the historic Pharaohs’ Golden Parade, do not worry. You can watch the full production here: