A monumental archaeological discovery has left the world in awe as a colossal statue, weighing an astonishing three tonnes, believed to represent the legendary Pharaoh Ramses II, was unearthed near the ruins of Ramses II’s temple in the ancient city of Heliopolis, situated in the eastern part of present-day Cairo.

This historic find, hailed by the Antiquities Ministry as one of the most significant in the realm of ancient history, was part of a joint Egyptian-German expedition.

The statue’s torso, delicately raised from its aquatic resting place, is now set to undergo meticulous restoration at the Egyptian museum in central Cairo. Once restored, it will find its permanent home at the Grand Egyptian Museum near the iconic Giza Pyramids.

Pharaoh Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was a towering figure in ancient Egypt, reigning for over 3,000 years. He led numerous military expeditions and expanded the Egyptian Empire from Syria in the east to Nubia in the south. His enduring legacy earned him the epithet “Great Ancestor” from his successors.

The statue’s discovery in the vicinity of Ramses II’s temple in Heliopolis adds another layer to our understanding of this formidable ruler.

The statue, weighing an astonishing three tonnes, is a testament to the grandeur and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artistry. The colossal torso, gently retrieved by a crane, lay undisturbed for millennia, a silent witness to the passage of time.

The ancient city of Heliopolis, where the statue was found, holds historical significance as the purported dwelling place of the sun god in ancient Egyptian belief.

The location near the ruins of Ramses II’s temple adds a profound dimension to the discovery, connecting it to the once-prosperous city that played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian religious and cultural practices.

In addition to the colossal statue representing Ramses II, the joint expedition also uncovered the upper part of a life-sized limestone statue belonging to Pharaoh Seti II, the grandson of Ramses II. This secondary find further enriches our insight into the royal lineage and artistic achievements of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The restoration process, set to take place at the Egyptian museum, will be a delicate operation requiring expertise to ensure the statue’s preservation. Once complete, the reassembled statue will join the illustrious exhibits at the Grand Egyptian Museum, offering visitors a tangible connection to the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

The significance of this discovery extends beyond its archaeological value; it is poised to make a substantial contribution to Egypt’s tourism industry, providing a boost at a time when the country’s cultural heritage continues to captivate global attention.

The statue’s journey from its watery resting place to its eventual display in the Grand Egyptian Museum represents a reawakening of ancient history, inviting the world to marvel at the splendor of Pharaoh Ramses II and the enduring legacy of Egypt’s rich past.