Sunday was one of the most siginificant days of my life, I saw the King Tut exhibit in Ft. Lauderdale and it was truly a profound experience.
Sadly no cameras were permitted.
I'm sure this isn't quite like seeing the Pyramids, but I won't be travelling to Egypt anytime soon. But what I did see put my entire existence into perspective. It is nothing short of amazing to see objects from one of man's first civilizations. The intricate detail and hand craftmanship of examples over 3,000 years old was stunning.
Growing up and studying history I had always viewed the people of "former times" as much less sophisticated and ancient in their ways. The exhibit brought home the fact that in many ways we are very much the "same people" over 3,000 years later. In an instanst, my life ws put into perspective and I was able to see the grand scheme of things much clearer in the context of humanity as a whole for 5,000 years.
And the empire created in Egypt over 5,000 years ago is almost incomperhensible. By the time of King Tut's reign the pyramids were already over 1,000 years old. He was born into a dynastic country that had existed for 2,000 years. Incredible when contrasted with our own country which is barely more than 200 years old but seems ancient to us.
It staggers the mind to see things like a simple chair that has survived intact for 3,000 years. And objects like leather dog collars remind one that they were very much like us and one could imagine a 12 year old boy king chasing his beloved dog in the same manner as any American boy from the 1950s or today.
The monuments and statues were nothing short of amazing. Their devotion to their religion, and the nature of their beliefs, put ones own life into perspective like nothing else I have encountered.
I was especially fortunate to take my 85 year old grandmother to the exhibit, she had never seen such things. The ticket prices paid (which some will find high) were paltry compared to the experience received and the opportunity to share it with my family.
I am still in awe by the simplest of objects. Words really can't describe them.
One day I will see the pyramids, and I will be further humbled and enlightened.