# Colossal Ramesses II Statues Unearthed in Egyptian Village A local resident's discovery leads to the recovery of monumental ancient royal artifacts. - **Source:** [Earth.com](https://www.earth.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/84dc43e1-9d79-417e-ba8f-cac904ae7a67 ## Chance Discovery in Gharbia A resident of Behbeit El-Hagar discovered a stone block with ancient inscriptions while working on his private land. He immediately reported the find to local antiquities inspectors. This prompt action enabled the Supreme Council of Antiquities to initiate a rescue excavation, uncovering two colossal royal statues buried beneath the village soil. ## Monumental Ramesses II Statues One statue is confirmed to represent Ramesses II, featuring a head measuring 5.2 feet in height. Experts estimate the full statue stood approximately 28 feet tall. The figure wears the Double Crown, symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, and bears the king's Horus name inscribed on the back pillar. ## Second Statue Identification A second statue, measuring 7.9 feet in length, was also recovered from the site. While it lacks legs and a base, the face remains well-preserved. Archaeologists suspect it also depicts Ramesses II due to stylistic similarities, though official confirmation is pending further study of the granite remains and royal cartouches found nearby. ## Hieroglyphic Evidence Found The initial discovery involved a pink granite block 4.3 feet long featuring royal titles. The inscriptions include Nesu-bity, meaning King of Upper and Lower Egypt, and Sa-Ra, or Son of Ra. These titles confirm the royal nature of the site and provide context for the monumental figures unearthed during the excavation. ## Context of Isis Temple Behbeit El-Hagar is known for the ruins of a major temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Primarily constructed by Nectanebo II around 360 B.C., the temple complex is significantly younger than the reign of Ramesses II. Authorities have not yet linked the newly discovered statues directly to the temple's architectural history. ## Historical Architectural Timeline The Isis temple underwent expansions under Ptolemy II and Ptolemy III, who added a hypostyle hall and western facade. The structure likely collapsed between the third century A.D. and an earthquake in 24 B.C. Weak foundations may have contributed to the destruction, scattering blocks that have since appeared in international museum collections. ## Legacy of Ramesses II Ramesses II ruled Egypt for 66 years during the 19th Dynasty. His reign, spanning 1279 to 1213 B.C., produced numerous monuments across the empire, including the massive seated figures at Abu Simbel. The discovery in Behbeit El-Hagar adds to the extensive catalog of his royal statuary found throughout the Nile Delta. ## Future Excavation Goals The Supreme Council of Antiquities plans to continue excavations to gain a clearer understanding of the statues and the site's development. Minister Sherif Fathy emphasized that public involvement is essential for protecting Egypt's heritage. Ongoing research aims to clarify the relationship between these colossal figures and the surrounding archaeological landscape. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.earth.com/science/an-egyptian-farmer-reported-an-inscribed-pink-stone-on-his-land-and-it-led-to-two-statues-of-ramesses-ii/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._