Kings of Egypt

The Great North Museum: Hancock, in Newcastle upon Tyne, is displaying more than 130 objects exploring the theme of kingship in ancient Egypt. The exhibition aims to depict Egypt's ancient pharaohs as brave military leaders who extended the boundaries of Egypt, but also as devout rulers who worshipped the gods.

Examples of sculpture, jewellery, papyri and funerary objects are all on show, as well as more unusual pieces such as an ancient water-clock decorated for a Greek king on the throne of Egypt and a wooden bow once belonging to a troop commander. Visitors can also gaze up at an eight-foot high wooden tomb guardian figure of Ramses I.

Pharaoh: King of Egypt is on display at the Great North Museum: Hancock, until 25 September 2011 and admission is free. You can find out more about the exhibition and associated lectures and events at the Great North Museum website. You can also investigate the history behind some of the objects on display at the British Museum website.

Take a look at some of our other galleries, including the launch of Titanic and polar exploration at www.historyextra.com/feature/galleries