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Egypt: Colossal Ramesses II Statue Fragment Found
24 Apr
Summary
- A massive statue fragment of Ramesses II was discovered in Egypt's Nile Delta.
- The fragment weighs 5-6 tons and stands 2.20 meters tall.
- The find challenges views on ancient Egyptian royal rule and northern region's importance.
A substantial fragment of a colossal statue, believed to portray Pharaoh Ramesses II, has been discovered in Egypt's Nile Delta by archaeologists from the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The find occurred at Tel al-Faraoun in the Sharqiya Governorate.
The discovered portion measures approximately 2.20 meters in height and weighs between 5 to 6 tons, though its lower section is missing. Its style aligns with the end of Ramesses the Great's reign. This discovery suggests the Nile Delta was a pivotal administrative and worship center during the New Kingdom, potentially revising historical perspectives on royal influence.
Experts theorize the statue was originally from Pi-Ramesses, the ancient capital, and later repurposed in a local temple complex. Its stylistic features suggest it was part of a larger sculptural triad, representing the king with deities, a common motif signifying divine protection and legitimacy.
The artifact has been moved to a storage facility in San El-Hagar for documentation and restoration. This excavation is part of an initiative to explore overlooked areas in the Nile Delta, a region historically challenging for archaeologists due to water presence and modern agriculture.
