Two Massive Ramesses II Statues Discovered in Northern Egypt
A local farmer unearthed two colossal statues of the pharaoh in Behbeit El Hagar.
1Accidental Discovery in Behbeit
Khaled el-Shahat discovered the remains of two massive statues of Ramesses II while working on his land in the village of Behbeit El Hagar. He promptly notified the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. A specialized team was dispatched to the site to conduct formal excavations and study the historical artifacts found.
2Historical Context of Reign
Ramesses II ruled Egypt for 66 years, from approximately 1279 to 1213 B.C. During this era, the Egyptian empire expanded as far as modern-day Syria. He was known for initiating numerous large-scale building projects throughout his territory, leaving behind a significant architectural legacy that continues to be unearthed by researchers and local residents.
3Temple of Isis Connection
Behbeit El Hagar is renowned for its temple dedicated to Isis, a goddess associated with magic and healing. Mahmoud Emam, an Egyptologist at Cairo University, confirmed that architectural fragments bearing the name of Ramesses II were previously found at this site. The new statues were unearthed specifically on the western side of the complex.
4Colossal Statue Dimensions
The larger of the two statues was originally nearly 28 feet tall. Currently, the most intact portion is the head, which measures 5.2 feet in height. It depicts the pharaoh wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship typical of the monumental statuary produced during his long reign.
5Hieroglyphic Royal Titles
The back pillar of the larger statue contains a hieroglyphic inscription identifying the pharaoh's Horus name as Hor-Ka-Nakht-Mery-Maat. This title translates to Strong Bull, Beloved of Right, Truth. Such names were commonly given to pharaohs in honor of the sky god Horus to signify their divine authority and connection to Egyptian religious traditions.
6Second Statue Details
The second statue stands approximately 7.9 feet tall and depicts the king wearing the Nemes headdress, a traditional striped headcloth. Nearby, archaeologists found a block of pink granite featuring inscriptions that describe Ramesses II as the Son of Ra and the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, further confirming his extensive royal presence.
7Previous Archaeological Evidence
In 2017, Mahmoud Emam and colleagues reported finding architectural fragments near the Isis temple bearing the name of Ramesses II. These included pieces from a statue and a wall. These findings led experts to conclude that the pharaoh had undertaken major construction works at the site, warranting the recent, more intensive archaeological investigations.
8Urban Growth Threats
The archaeological site at Behbeit El Hagar faces ongoing pressure from urban expansion. Experts emphasize that further systematic excavation is necessary to protect the area and uncover more history. The recent discovery reinforces the theory that Ramesses II was heavily invested in this specific location, necessitating continued preservation efforts to safeguard remaining artifacts.