Archaeologists working in Egypt have made a stunning find, unearthing a 3,000-year-old statue of the ancient pharaoh Ramesses II. This historic discovery is just the latest from ongoing excavations that have captured local and national interest from historians and archaeologists. Ramesses II ruled from 1279-1213 BCE. To this day, people count him among the most powerful and influential leaders of Ancient Egypt. He is best remembered for his military campaigns through the Levant, his building projects across Egypt, and his legacy marking the end of the Egyptian Empire’s height.
The statue was found in a neighborhood thought to be associated with royal estates. It returns a missing, but key piece to the puzzle of Ramesses II’s reign. Interestingly, the missing half of the statue was discovered in 2024, further solidifying its importance to scholars studying this era. Ramesses II, known as Ramesses the Great, ruled during the 19th Dynasty. Most people think he was the pharaoh of the biblical Exodus, which would make this discovery all the more significant.
Ramesses II’s reign has been credited with many grand accomplishments. He built towering temples and obelisks that adorned his incredible power as well as his unwavering fealty to the Egyptian gods worshiped society-wide. His most famous construction projects were the temples of Abu Simbel and hundreds of small shrines to the worship of various gods. As an astute diplomat and strategist, he maintained Egypt’s influence during a tumultuous period in history while being a patron of the arts.
The statue is a remarkable indication of the impact of Ramesses II. Scholars suggest that it depicts the pharaoh in his own likeness. It represents his substantial achievements in architecture and culture of Ancient Egyptian civilization.
“The presence of this stamp probably indicates the production of wine belonging to a royal estate.” – Sylvain Dhennin
Among his numerous wives were Nefertari and Isetnofret. He fathered many children, and a number of them went on to become pharaohs themselves. His legacy continues to fascinate today’s audiences. The world still thinks of him as much for his extraordinary military genius as for his colossal cultural legacy.
As major campaigns to war and glory took the spotlight, there were equally monumental reforms spearheaded in agricultural development under Ramesses II. Archaeologists have found that the vineyards planted with military protection were probably an indispensable element of military tactics. The goals of this initiative were to expand Egypt’s reach in the desert hinterlands.
“The vineyards on the margins of Egypt were probably protected by the military and formed part of a pioneering front to occupy this region towards the desert.” – Sylvain Dhennin
The latest finds help further an emerging narrative of the increased complexity of Ramesses II’s reign. His final resting place in the Valley of the Kings was found in the 1800s. This unexpected finding only highlights his importance as a historical figure. Permanent new statue is about to provide further insights into his life and reign. It will shine a light on his unique personal and political legacy.
Piers Litherland, an archaeologist who joined in the nearby digs, said there was “huge potential for more finds” in the area.
“The best candidate for what is hidden underneath this enormously expensive, in terms of effort, pile is the second tomb of Thutmose II.” – Piers Litherland
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