Chance find in Egypt leads archaeologists to colossal Ramesses II remains
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A farmer’s chance discovery of an inscribed stone block in Egypt’s Nile Delta has led archaeologists to the remains of two monumental royal statues, including one identified as Ramesses II.
The discovery was made at Behbeit El-Hagar in Gharbia governorate, where the landowner alerted local antiquities inspectors rather than disturbing the object. A rescue excavation was then launched by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Archaeologists uncovered a 1.6-metre-high head of Ramesses II wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Its scale suggests the original statue may have stood about 8.5 metres high, including its base.
A second royal statue, measuring about 2.4 metres in its surviving section, was found nearby and is also believed to represent Ramesses II. An inscribed pink-granite block carrying royal titles was recovered at the site.
Excavations are continuing as archaeologists examine how the pieces relate to the wider ancient landscape of Behbeit El-Hagar, best known for the remains of a major temple dedicated to Isis.
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Tahani Elghazaly5421 Posts
