By Jessica Campbell
There are several crazy things happening in the world today, for example: Egypt held one of the most significant events to their culture. Early in April, a parade was held of the pharaohs which included transporting 22 mummies. Some of the most famous kings and queens were included within this parade that started from central Cairo all the way to their new home at a museum in Old Cairo.
The museum that is going to hold them is the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. If you are thinking this was just a normal parade that rolls down the street in your town, think again. The 18 pharaohs and four other royals were carried in climate-controlled vehicles and on a newly paved road to ensure the smoothest trip for these individuals.
Historians first started to excavate the tombs that these mummies were discovered in back in the 19th century. Through the continuous search in the tomb that is called the Valley of Kings, these rulers where found. The history behind these mummies started approximately 3,000 years ago with most of them belonging to the ancient New Kingdom.
This era lasted from about 1539 BC to 1075 BC. In this parade of pharaohs, among them was Ramses II, which is one of the country’s most famous pharaohs for his multiple statues he constructed. Also, Queen Hatshepsut was among the parade, who was Egypt’s only female pharaoh to ever reign.
Before continuing about the parade that took place, here is some information about Ramses and Queen Hatshepsut. First, Ramses II reigned from 1279-13 BCE which was the second longest reign in Egyptian history. As said before many of his works can be seen all over Egypt through his many statues and widespread building programs, he was also part of two wars. One with the Hittites and on with the Libyans. With his many posterity within his reign, he was named “the Great”. Nine kings following him named themselves after him in honor through their own reign.
On the other hand, Queen Hatshepsut made her own history by being the only female pharaoh who reigned in her own right from 1473-58 BCE. At this time, it was outrageous for women to have that much power, however, she managed to obtain full titles. She was the eldest daughter of the 18th– dynasty king Thutmose I.
With many premature deaths, the throne of Egypt landed on Thutmose III, who was just an infant. Hatshepsut acted as regent for the king in his premature years. Even though it was clearly known that she was a woman, she slowly started to transform her portraits to exhibit male features to ensure she was a traditional king. The reasons behind why she took over the throne how she managed to stay in reign are still unknown to this day.
With the movement of the pharaohs, there has be speculation of the “pharaoh’s curse” taking into effect. The first sign that is believed to be caused by this curse is when a cargo ship transporting the COVID-19 vaccine was delayed for about a week.
A few other unfortunate events that have happened include a train crash that killed dozens along with a building that collapsed in Cairo. Scripted on the tomb where all these mummies were found was “Death will come on quick wings for those who disturb the king’s peace.” This was transcribed back in 1922 when the tomb was first opened by archaeologist Howard Carter and his team. The members of this expedition all later fell victim to freak accidents and death which added more belief to the curse.
Despite this, many Egyptian celebrities and singers made their appearance at this event that is considered as a unique global event that will not be repeated.