North Egyptian Gallery. The exhibits here, besides some remains from the 5-12th Dynasties, mostly represent the accomplished art of the 18th Dynasty (1600-1400 B.C.), when after a period of foreign rule the Egyptians reached a high level of prosperity and even invaded Asia. They are largely from Thebes, the capital of the Middle Empire.
In the middle, 360, 361. Head (9 feet high and arm of a colossal statue of Thothmes III. (circa 1550 B.C.). Amenhetep III. (Amenophis or Memnon) is represented in two seated statues (412, 413), three colossal heads (415-417), and a pair of dignified lions inscribed with his name (430, 431). 419 (bay VII), Lotus-bud column; 592 (bay VI), Portions of the 'Second King-List of Abydos,' with figure of Rameses II. making offerings to his predecessors; 346 (bay III), Amenhetep I. as Osiris; series of black granite statues of Sekhet, the fire-goddess (bays I and II and north door).
The Egyptian Central Saloon is filled (overflowing both to the north and south) with monuments of the 19th Dynasty (1400-1200 B.C.), under which the Hebrews were forced to labour on the public works. On the west side, 567. Wooden statue of Seti I.; 576. Granite statue of Rameses II. (the Sesostris of the Greeks and the oppressor of Israel). No. 173, a Cast of a Sphinx (in the centre), represents a Hyksos (15th or 16th Dynasty), but has the names of the 19th Dynasty kings inscribed on it. To the south of it, 965. Colossal green stone beetle (symbol of the renewal of life) of the Ptolemaic period. By the west opening, 588. Cast of a colossal head of Rameses II., from Memphis. Opposite (east): 597. Left fist of gigantic red granite statue of Rameses II.; 575. Wooden statue of Rameses II. West side, 602. Upper half of a colossus of the queen of Rameses.
By standing back by the east wall and looking west through the Nimroud Central Saloon and the Nereid Room, the visitor may command an instructive contrast: in the foreground the colossus of Rameses II., at the end of the vista the 'Theseus' of the Parthenon.
In the east wall is the door of the Tea Room, where tea can be obtained in the afternoon.
