In a remarkable archaeological feat, researchers have uncovered the long-lost top half of an ancient statue depicting the iconic pharaoh Ramesses II, solving a puzzle that has remained unsolved since 1930. This monumental discovery, made during ongoing excavations at the site of the ancient city of Hermopolis Magna (Khemenu) in Middle Egypt, sheds new light on the grandeur and legacy of one of Egypt’s most powerful rulers.
Piecing Together the Puzzle
The story begins in 1930, when German archaeologist Günther Roeder first uncovered the bottom half of the statue at the site. For over nine decades, the missing upper portion remained elusive, leaving the archaeological community puzzled and intrigued. However, in a recent turn of events, a team of Egyptian and American researchers, led by Basem Gehad and Yvona Trnka-Amrhein, have finally completed the puzzle.
The excavations, which are part of the City of the Baboon Project, a joint effort between Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the University of Colorado, have been ongoing since January 2023. It was during these excavations that the researchers stumbled upon the long-awaited upper half of the colossal statue, measuring an impressive 12 and a half feet in height.
A Glimpse into the Past
The newly discovered portion of the statue features intricate hieroglyphic writings and depicts Ramesses II, the renowned pharaoh who ruled Egypt’s New Kingdom as part of the 19th Dynasty over 3,000 years ago. Adorned with a double crown and a headdress featuring a cobra, the statue provides a tangible connection to the grandeur and power of this legendary ruler.
Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was renowned for his expansionist policies, extending his empire from modern-day Sudan to southern Syria through the construction of massive temples, obelisks, and statues during his 66-year reign, the second-longest in Egyptian history.
A Significant Discovery
The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. According to the archaeologists, this is only the second colossal statue to be found in Middle Egypt, with many such monuments being known from major pharaonic sites like Karnak in Luxor. Once the top and bottom halves are reunited, it will become the first complete colossal statue from Middle Egypt and the first to be studied using modern technological and archaeological methods.
The Mysteries Yet to Unravel
The researchers are still in the initial phases of studying the colossal statue and plan to release a full scientific publication detailing their research later this year. This discovery promises to shed new light on the religious landscape and urban development of the ancient city of Hermopolis Magna, which was an important worship center for the Egyptian god Thoth, associated with the ibis bird and the baboon.
The rediscovery of the missing top half of Ramesses II’s colossal statue is a triumph of archaeological exploration and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Egypt’s most iconic pharaohs. This remarkable find not only completes a long-standing puzzle but also opens new doors to understanding the rich cultural and historical tapestry of ancient Egypt. As the researchers delve deeper into their analysis, the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the secrets this colossal statue holds, offering a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of the past.
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