In 1930, German archeologists discovered the lower half of a massive statue estimated to have originally stood 23 feet tall. Recently, U.S. and Egyptian archeologists found the missing top half in pristine condition. The discoverers are confident that a proposal to unite the two halves will be approved. The statue is believed to depict Ramesses II, a prominent pharaoh in Ancient Egyptian history, and was found near the modern-day city of El Ashmunein, formerly known as Khemnu. The area was significant in ancient times, serving as a provincial capital and later under Roman rule as Hermopolis Magna.
The upper half of the statue, measuring 12.5 feet tall, shows Ramesses II wearing a headdress with a royal cobra. The discovery was unexpected, as the statue was initially found lying face down. The preservation of the statue was unsure due to issues with the water table from the nearby Nile River. However, further excavation revealed that the statue was remarkably well-preserved, with traces of blue-and-yellow pigment on its surface. This pigment may provide insights into the statue’s original appearance and the context of its creation.
The initial discovery of the lower half of the statue by German archeologist Günther Roeder 96 years ago was a significant find in Egyptology. The missing upper half remained lost until the recent excavation, leading to the potential reunification of the two pieces. Egyptian co-leader Basem Gehad has submitted a proposal to combine the halves, with expectations of approval. Yvona Trnka-Amrhein, co-leader of the team and assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, expressed surprise at the finding but noted that it confirmed their hunch that the missing part might still be present.
The region near El Ashmunein has a rich history dating back to the Old Kingdom of Egypt, with many treasures known to be buried in the surrounding desert. The discovery of the missing top half of the statue sheds light on the area’s significance in ancient times. The collaboration between U.S. and Egyptian archeologists in this discovery highlights the international effort to uncover and preserve historical artifacts. The pristine condition of the upper half of the statue is a testament to the archeologists’ careful excavation and preservation techniques, allowing for future research and insights into Ancient Egyptian art and culture.
The confirmation of the discovery and preservation of the upper half of the statue has generated excitement and interest in the archeological community. The proposal to reunite the two halves of the statue is seen as a significant step in the preservation and display of this historical artifact. The potential insights that further analysis of the blue-and-yellow pigment on the statue may provide add to the importance of this discovery. The story of the statue’s rediscovery after 96 years is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of archeologists in uncovering and preserving Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
