In 1930, German archeologists uncovered the lower half of a massive statue believed to be of Ramesses II, standing at 23 feet tall. The statue was found near the city of El Ashmunein, once known as Khemnu, an ancient provincial capital along the Nile. The upper half of the statue was missing until recently when U.S. and Egyptian archeologists announced its discovery in pristine condition. The team confirmed that the upper half measures 12.5 feet tall and depicts Ramesses II wearing a headdress with a royal cobra.
The discovery of the missing upper half of the statue was unexpected, given the potential damage caused by the area’s rising water table after the construction of the Aswan Low Dam. The archeologists were concerned that the stone may have degraded over time due to proximity to the Nile. However, after further excavation, the team found the upper half of the statue remarkably well-preserved, with traces of blue-and-yellow pigment still visible on its surface. This pigment could provide insights into the statue’s original appearance and the context of its creation.
The lower half of the statue remains on site in El Ashmunein, where German archeologist Günther Roeder originally discovered it nearly a century ago. The team, led by Egyptian co-leader Basem Gehad and U.S. expert Yvona Trnka-Amrhein, has proposed reuniting the two halves of the statue. The proposal has been submitted and is expected to be approved, allowing the long-missing top half to be joined with the lower half for the first time in almost a century.
The region of Hermopolis Magna, where the statue was found, is known for its rich history and buried treasures from ancient times. Roeder’s discovery of the lower half of the statue highlighted the area’s importance in ancient Egyptian culture. The recent find of the missing top half adds to the significance of the site and provides a complete picture of the massive statue of Ramesses II, one of the most celebrated pharaohs in Egyptian history.
The discovery of the missing top half of the statue has brought excitement and new understanding to the field of archeology. The unexpected find and the well-preserved state of the upper half have provided researchers with valuable insights into the statue’s creation and original appearance. The team’s efforts in excavating and preserving the statue have shed light on the history of the region and the significance of Ramesses II in ancient Egyptian culture. The proposed reunification of the two halves will further enhance our understanding of this remarkable archaeological find.
