On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The majestic Nile River meanders through thousands of miles of desert before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. It nurtures the vast fertile black land where ancient Egypt flourished, becoming the epicenter of Mediterranean civilization and one of the earliest cradles of human civilization. Always awe-inspiring and mysterious, ancient Egypt is where remarkable achievements in civilization were realized: here, the earliest forms of writing, city, and state emerged, and an advanced belief system about the afterlife was established. Indeed, a complex process of integration took place here between Greek civilization and ancient Eastern civilizations, leading to the preservation and promotion of diverse cultures towards their future iterations.

Both Egypt and China boast rich histories. Egypt was not only the first Arab country but also the first African country with which China established diplomatic relations. Since then, Egypt has remained a steadfast brotherly ally and friend to China. In 2024, a year that coincides with the tenth anniversary of establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt and is officially designated as the China-Egypt Partnership Year, we are delighted to collaborate with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities to present a fourth major exhibition at the Shanghai Museum in our “Dialogue with the World” series. This exhibition showcases from multiple angles ancient Egyptian civilization and its latest archaeological discoveries. It is not only the first collaboration of a Chinese state-run museum with the Egyptian government but also the largest exhibition ever held outside Egypt and the highest-level exhibition ever held in Asia displaying Egyptian artifacts, signifying a golden age when the longstanding friendship between China and Egypt enters a phase of leapfrog development.

The exhibition unfolds through one historical narrative, “The Land of the Pharaohs”, along with two themes: “The Secrets of Saqqara” and “The Age of Tutankhamun”. This grand exhibition on ancient Egypt, independently planned by the Shanghai Museum, is not just a milestone in the history of Egypt-themed exhibitions but also a watershed moment for Egyptology. Unique interpretations by Chinese scholars will inject more diverse perspectives into our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history. Hosting this event will initiate wonderful contacts and exchanges between the two great civilizations, marking the beginning of broader and more extensive humanistic cooperation between the two countries.

Let’s embark on this transcendent journey through time and space together, from the Nile to the Yangtze and then to the Huangpu River. Let’s savor this world-class feast celebrating splendid civilizations together. Let’s listen to the joys and sorrows experienced by both great nations while engaging in a profound dialogue connecting the two great river valley civilizations and linking the present with the past.