Ramses II statues discovered in Egypt's Nile Delta

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the remains of two massive statues believed to depict Pharaoh Ramses II in the village of Behbeit el-Hagar, located in the Gharbia Governorate within the Nile Delta. The discovery was prompted by a local resident, Khaled el-Shahat Khalil, who found an inscribed stone block while working on his land and immediately notified authorities.

Excavations led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities revealed a 1.6-meter-tall head of a statue wearing the double crown, symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Based on the dimensions of the head and the remaining back pillar, experts estimate the original statue, including its base, may have reached approximately 8.5 meters in height. A second royal statue, measuring about 2.4 meters in length, was also recovered; it features a well-preserved face wearing a traditional Nemes headdress.

Additionally, a 1.3-meter pink granite block was found nearby, bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions that include royal titles such as ‘King of Upper and Lower Egypt’ and ‘Son of Ra.’ The site is historically significant as it is near the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the original placement and role of these monuments.