In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed a towering 12.5-foot section of a limestone statue depicting the legendary pharaoh Ramses II. The momentous find was made at the renowned archaeological site of El Ashmunein, as part of a collaborative effort between Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the University of Colorado.
Led by esteemed archaeologists Bassem Gehad and Ivonna Trnka, the joint Egyptian-American mission uncovered the majestic statue, which portrays King Ramses II seated regally, adorned with a double crown and a headdress topped with a royal cobra. Gehad noted that the upper section of the statue’s back column features hieroglyphic inscriptions extolling the ruler’s grandeur. With a total height reaching approximately 23 feet, the statue is a testament to the magnificence of Ramses the Great, who reigned as the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt from 1279 BCE to 1213 BCE.
Remarkably, research indicates that this newly discovered section complements a lower portion excavated by German archaeologist Gunther Roeder back in 1930. Mustafa Waziri, head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, confirmed the correlation, underscoring the significance of this find. As preparations for cleaning and restoration are underway, anticipation mounts for the eventual reunion of these two monumental pieces.
El Ashmunein, situated south of Minya along the western bank of the Nile River, holds historical significance dating back to ancient times when it was known as Khemnu. During the Greco-Roman era, it flourished as the regional capital of Hermopolis Magna, as reported by Reuters.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient Egyptian history but also underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve and unveil the rich cultural heritage of this storied land. Stay tuned for further updates as the excavation progresses and insights into the reign of Ramses II continue to emerge.
