Two Giant Statues of King Ramses II Discovered in Egypt

Egyptian authorities have announced the discovery of two massive statues depicting King Ramses II in Behbeit Al-Hagar, a village in the Nile Delta. The artifacts were found after a local resident informed authorities about a stone with hieroglyphic inscriptions on his property.

The excavation revealed a carved stone head of Ramses II, wearing the double crown that symbolized the pharaoh's rule over both Upper and Lower Egypt. The head measures approximately 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 meters) tall, suggesting the complete statue would have been over 27 feet (8.5 meters) high. Nearby, remnants of the statue's back pillar were also found, inscribed with the king's Horus name, Hor-Ka-Nakht-Mery-Maat.

The site of Behbeit Al-Hagar is renowned for the ruins of the Iseion, an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. The discovery of the statues adds to the historical significance of the location, which is already known for its archaeological importance.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities made the announcement, highlighting the discovery's potential to enhance understanding of ancient Egyptian art and history. The excavation is part of ongoing efforts to preserve and study Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

CONTEXT: The discovery of these statues is significant because it provides new insights into the artistic and cultural practices of ancient Egypt, particularly during the reign of King Ramses II. The size and detail of the statues offer valuable information about the techniques and symbolism used in ancient Egyptian sculpture. Additionally, the find underscores the importance of citizen involvement in archaeological discoveries, demonstrating how local knowledge can contribute to historical research.