The Antiquities Ministry hails the discovery of a massive 3,000-year-old statue of Ramses II that was found in a Cairo slum as “one of the most important ever.”
In a groundbreaking discovery hailed as one of the most significant in recent history, archaeologists in a Cairo suburb unearthed a colossal statue of Ramses II, the renowned ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled over 3,000 years ago.
Found buried in a slum near the ruins of Ramses II’s temple in the ancient city of Heliopolis, the statue stands as a testament to the grandeur of Egypt’s pharaonic past.
The discovery, made by researchers near the site of the ancient capital of Heliopolis, has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community. Dr. Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the find as “one of the most important ever” and emphasized its significance in shedding light on Egypt’s rich history.
The colossal statue, believed to depict Ramses II himself, measures an impressive height and bears intricate carvings and hieroglyphs characteristic of the New Kingdom period. Researchers are awe-struck by the level of preservation, noting the statue’s remarkable condition despite its age.
According to experts, the discovery offers invaluable insights into the reign of Ramses II and the ancient city of Heliopolis, which served as a religious center during the pharaonic era. Dr. Zahi Hawass, a prominent Egyptologist, underscored the statue’s importance in understanding the cultural and religious practices of ancient Egypt.