Archaeologists Unearth Missing Piece of 3,200 Year Old Ramesses II Statue in Egypt

The major Egypt archaeological discovery has solved a mystery. This mystery that remained unanswered for almost a century. Archaeologists are working in Hermopolis Magna in Egypt’s Minya Governorate have discovered a massive limestone fragment completing a statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II. The missing upper portion of the statue had remained buried since 1930. That time only the lower half was discovered by archaeologists. The newly found part is measures about 3.8 meters tall. And it joined with the earlier section the statue will stand nearly 7 meters (23 feet) high.

Ramesses II Statue Discovery at Hermopolis Magna

The recent Ramesses II statue discovery happened at the El Ashmunein  which is the modern site of the ancient Egyptian city Hermopolis Magna.

This city was located around 241 km south of Cairo (Capital of Egypt).

Archaeologists noticed the massive limestone block lying face down in the soil during excavation work are the ruins of collapsed temples and sculptures.

At first the fragment appeared similar to other broken stones scatter across the archaeological site.

Hermopolis Magna: Ancient City Dedicated to Thoth

The Hermopolis Magna archaeological site was once the major religious center in ancient Egypt.

It is Known earlier as Khemnu the city was dedicated to Thoth.

Which is the ibis headed god who is associated with wisdom, writing, and knowledge.

Over the centuries Hermopolis Magna grew into an important temple city containing large religious structures and monuments.

Historical records indicate that the city flourished during Egyptian rule and later continued under Greek and Roman influence.

Century Old Puzzle of the Ramesses II Statue

The story of the Ramesses II limestone statue began in 1930.

German archaeologist Gunther Roeder discovered the lower half of a massive seated statue at Hermopolis Magna.

The portion showed the throne and legs of the pharaoh but the upper portion was missing.

For the decades several archaeologists believed the remaining section might still be buried somewhere within the ruins of the ancient temple complex.

Egyptian American Team Finds the Missing Statue Piece

The breakthrough occurred during excavations in 2024 when a joint research mission from Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the University of Colorado Boulder resumed work in the area.

The project was co led by Egyptian archaeologist Basem Gehad and classical scholar Yvona Trnka Amrhein.

While studying temple remains in Hermopolis Magna the team unexpectedly uncovered the giant limestone fragment.

The stone block measured 3.8 meters (12.5 feet) high and clearly depicted the upper portion of a seated pharaoh wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Details of the Ramesses II Limestone Statue

The newly discovered fragment provides the important visual and historical information about the Ramesses II statue discovery.

The upper section shows the pharaoh seated on a throne with detailed carvings along the statue’s back pillar.

When archaeologists compared the carving style and measurements with the fragment discovered in 1930 the match was unmistakable.

Once both pieces are assembled, the statue will stand approximately 7 meters tall.

And it making it one of the largest seated statues of Ramesses II at Hermopolis Magna.

The monument dates back more than 3,200 years during the reign of the famous Egyptian ruler.

Who Was Pharaoh Ramesses II?

Ramesses II is also known as the Ramesses the Great ruled ancient Egypt from 1279 BCE to 1213 BCE during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom.

He is considered as one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs in Egyptian history.

Ramesses II is famous for building massive monuments and temples across Egypt including the Abu Simbel temples and numerous statues depicting his image.

His long reign of 66 years allowed him to shape Egyptian architecture, politics and culture in ways that continue to fascinate historians today.

Question

Q. The recently discovered statue fragment in Egypt belongs to which ancient pharaoh?

A. Tutankhamun
B. Akhenaten
C. Ramesses II
D. Amenhotep III