Exhibition: Queens of Egypt

Al Ahram Weekly (Nevine El-Aref)

Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Hatshepsut are a few of the names of ancient Egyptian queens that echo through the mind to evoke the legendary Egypt, for which these queens embodied power, wealth and seduction.

There are other female rulers, however, who have played an important role in Egypt's history but are less well known, even almost forgotten. One of these is Queen Hetepheres, the mother of King Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid. Without dispelling the myth, the exhibition "Queens of Egypt", opened early this week by Mrs Suzanne Mubarak and Monaco's head of state Prince Albert II, draws on the latest scientific discoveries to bring some exceptional and fascinating ancient Egyptian women out of the shadows.

This wonderful display of 250 artefacts, carefully selected from 40 museums around the world, reveals the many different facets of some of the mothers, wives and daughters who epitomised the grandeur of their people, played a predominant role in religion, social and political life, and inspired the artists of their times.

Over this summer the Mediterranean city-state of Monaco will fall under the magic charm of the ancient Egyptian queens as it plays host to the "Queens of Egypt" exhibition.