Paris: Coffin of Pharaoh Ramses II unveiled; see pics

Ancient Egypt's most famous ruler's coffin is on a rare trip abroad and has reached Paris. Ramses II, who reigned in the 13th century BC, was highly productive in more ways than one. The sarcophagus of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II was unveiled to reporters on April 6.

Following its rare journey outside of Egypt, The sarcophagus of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II was unveiled to media in Paris on April 06. Credit: Reuters Photo

The ornate coffin will be on show for the public in the French capital from April 7 to September 6. Credit: Reuters Photo

The Ramses II exhibition is on a tour that includes the United States and Australia, but only France is receiving the sarcophagus, in recognition of the assistance from French scientists who helped save the mummy from decay following a previous visit to Paris in 1976. Credit: Reuters Photo

The mummy itself has stayed behind this time, since Egyptian law now forbids transporting royal mummies abroad. Credit: Reuters Photo

Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, ruled for more than 60 years during the 13th century BC and oversaw major military conquests and monumental construction projects, while also finding time to father more than 100 children. Credit: AFP Photo

The yellow-painted cedar-wood sarcophagus, which depicts the recumbent king in bright colours with his arms crossed on his chest holding a sceptre and whip, was not actually Ramses II's original coffin. Credit: Reuters Photo

The immersive exhibition in Paris also features an abundance of statues, masks and jewellery from the period -- more than 180 objects in total -- as well as a 3D recreation of one of the king's battles against the Hittite empire. Credit: AFP Photo

A statue featuring Pharaoh Ramses II as a Sphinx offering a ram-headed vessel, displayed on the opening day of the exhibition titled

The head of a colossal statue of Ramses II displayed on the opening day of the exhibition titled