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Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a massive limestone fragment that completes a 3,200-year-old statue of Ramesses II, bringing closure to a mystery that had persisted for nearly a century. The discovery was made at Hermopolis Magna, where the statue had remained partially buried since 1930.

Ramesses II Statue Discovery at Hermopolis Magna

The find took place at El Ashmunein, the modern location of Hermopolis Magna, situated about 241 km south of Cairo. During excavations among the ruins of ancient temples and sculptures, archaeologists identified a large limestone block lying face down in the soil. Initially, it appeared similar to other scattered stone fragments across the site.

Hermopolis Magna: City of Thoth

Hermopolis Magna, historically known as Khemnu, was once a major religious center dedicated to Thoth, the ibis-headed god associated with wisdom, writing, and knowledge. Over time, the city developed into a prominent temple hub, flourishing under Egyptian rule and later continuing during Greek and Roman periods.

A Century-Old Archaeological Puzzle

The story of the statue began in 1930 when German archaeologist Günther Roeder discovered the lower half of a colossal seated statue at the site. The fragment included the throne and legs, but the upper portion was missing. For decades, archaeologists believed the rest of the statue might still lie buried within the ancient temple complex.

Breakthrough by Egyptian-American Team

The missing piece was finally uncovered during excavations resumed in 2024 by a joint mission involving the Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the University of Colorado Boulder. The project was co-led by Basem Gehad and Yvona Trnka Amrhein.

The team discovered a 3.8-meter-tall limestone fragment depicting the upper portion of a seated pharaoh wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Details of the Statue

The newly found section features intricate carvings along the back pillar and aligns perfectly with the fragment discovered in 1930. Once reassembled, the statue is expected to stand nearly 7 meters (23 feet) tall, making it one of the largest seated statues of Ramesses II at Hermopolis Magna. The monument dates back over 3,200 years to the height of his reign.

Who Was Ramesses II?

Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, ruled Egypt from 1279 BCE to 1213 BCE during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. He is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs in Egyptian history.

He is renowned for constructing monumental structures across Egypt, including the famous Abu Simbel temples, along with numerous statues that projected his authority. His 66-year reign left a lasting impact on Egyptian architecture, politics, and culture, continuing to captivate historians and archaeologists today.

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