Ancient Puzzle Solved—Ramesses II Statue Finally Complete After Nearly a Century

After nearly a century of mystery, archaeologists have uncovered the missing top half of a monumental statue of Ramesses II, one of the most powerful and celebrated pharaohs in ancient Egypt. The statue’s lower portion was first found in 1930, and now—96 years later—researchers working in the ancient city of El Ashmunein have triumphantly recovered the long-lost upper section.

Discovery in El Ashmunein—Ancient Hermopolis Yields New Treasures

Situated roughly 150 miles south of Cairo, El Ashmunein (ancient Khemnu, later known as Hermopolis Magna) was once a thriving religious and administrative hub. It held particular significance during the Old Kingdom and later Roman periods. It was here, in 1930, that German archaeologist Günther Roeder uncovered the lower half of a towering 23-foot statue of Ramesses II.

The upper half, however, remained elusive—until now.

Upper Half Found in Pristine Condition

In March 2024, a joint team of Egyptian and American archaeologists announced the unexpected discovery of the statue’s top half—measuring approximately 12.5 feet in height and remarkably well-preserved. The pharaoh is depicted wearing his regal nemes headdress adorned with a royal cobra, a classic symbol of divine authority in ancient Egyptian iconography.

“We weren’t actively searching for it,” said Yvona Trnka-Amrhein, assistant professor of classics at the University of Colorado Boulder and co-leader of the excavation. “It was a complete surprise—but a welcome one.”

Risks and Rewards of Excavation Near the Nile

The excavation was not without its challenges. Due to El Ashmunein’s proximity to the Nile and changes brought on by the construction of the Aswan Low Dam, the water table in the region poses a constant threat to buried artifacts. In many cases, centuries-old sandstone can degrade into mere sand.

Yet, in this instance, the team’s gamble paid off.

“Sometimes what you find is just a lump of stone,” Trnka-Amrhein explained. “But this time, the statue was intact and stunning.”

A Proposal to Reunite the Pieces

The lower half of the statue has remained in situ at El Ashmunein since Roeder’s discovery in the 1930s. A formal proposal has now been submitted by the current excavation team to reunite the two halves, restoring the ancient masterpiece to its former glory. Egyptian archaeologist and project co-leader Basem Gehad expressed confidence that the reunification will be approved.

Hidden Colors—Pigment Traces Offer New Clues

As if the discovery wasn’t remarkable enough, researchers identified traces of original blue and yellow pigment still clinging to the statue’s surface. This rare detail opens up exciting new possibilities for understanding how ancient Egyptian statues were originally painted—and perceived.

Further analysis could shed light on the symbolism, ritual significance, and artistic techniques used during the reign of Ramesses II, who ruled from 1279–1213 BCE during the 19th Dynasty.

Why This Matters—More Than Just a Statue

The statue’s completion is more than an archaeological milestone—it’s a powerful reminder of Egypt’s living legacy and the tireless efforts of modern researchers to uncover its secrets. Ramesses II, often referred to as “Ramesses the Great,” left an enduring mark on temples, cities, and now once again—stone.

With the two pieces of this monumental statue soon to be reunited, modern viewers may soon experience a more complete vision of ancient Egypt’s grandeur.

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