A big statue of Egyptian Pharoah Ramses II has been found in Egypt. A joint archaeological mission comprising experts from Egypt and the United States has unearthed a significant find in the Egyptian city of Minya: the upper portion of a statue believed to depict the famed Pharaoh Ramses II.
The limestone block stands an impressive 3.8 meters (12.5 feet) tall and showcases Ramses II seated, adorned with a double crown and a headdress featuring a royal cobra, emblematic of his authority and divine status.
Bassem Jihad, leading the Egyptian team of the mission, revealed that hieroglyphic inscriptions adorning the statue’s back column extol the virtues and accomplishments of Ramses II, adding depth to our understanding of this renowned ruler.
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, reigned from 1279 to 1213 BCE, during the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt.
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Of particular note is the confirmation by Mustafa Waziri, head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, that this upper portion aligns perfectly with a lower section discovered by German archaeologist Gunther Roeder in 1930.
The amalgamation of these two sections would result in a statue towering approximately 7 meters (22.9 feet) in height, underscoring the monumental scale of ancient Egyptian artistry.
Situated on the western bank of the River Nile, the city of El Ashmunein, known in antiquity as Khemnu and later as Hermopolis Magna during the Greco-Roman era, serves as the backdrop for this remarkable discovery.
Its historical significance amplifies the importance of the find within the broader context of ancient Egyptian civilization.
In preparation for further study and public display, efforts are underway to meticulously clean and restore the newly unearthed block.
Mustafa Waziri has announced plans to reconstruct the complete statue, providing researchers and enthusiasts alike with a tangible representation of Ramses II’s grandeur and influence.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Ramses II’s reign but also underscores the enduring allure of ancient Egypt and its enduring cultural legacy.
As a big statue of Egyptian Pharoah Ramses II found in Egypt, the world eagerly anticipates further revelations from this captivating excavation.
