Egypt before the Pyramids the focus of new VG&M show

They’re one of the world’s most famous sights – but what was life like before there were any Pyramids on the Egyptian skyline?

A new exhibition at Liverpool's Victoria Gallery & Museum sets out to explore just that.

Before Egypt features internationally important collections of Predynastic Egyptian and Nubian artefacts from the University of Liverpool’s Garstang Museum of Archaeology, supplemented by loans of key objects from other UK museums.

Some items on show are 7,000 years old, and many have never been on public display before.

They include objects that were found in the tomb of queen Neithhotep, which was discovered in 1897 by French archaeologist Jacques de Morgan.

The exhibition looks at the prehistoric past of Egypt and Nubia, exploring the ways in which early art, culture and politics were influenced by the unique geography of the Nile Valley.

Exhibition curator Dr Gina Criscenzo-Laycock said: “When people think of Egypt they tend to think of pyramids and gold masks, mummies and animal headed gods, but where did the people who created these wonders come from?

“Who was Neithhotep, the first woman in the world whose name survives to this day?

"Was she a queen, or was she Egypt’s first Pharaoh?

“This exhibition is an exciting opportunity to talk about how we interpret ancient evidence and invites visitors to examine their own preconceptions and preferences.”

Before Egypt is at the Victoria Gallery & Museum until October 31 and is free.