Archaeologists uncover Ramses II statue in Egypt

Buried Ramses II Temple discovered in Cairo, Egypt on 9 March 2017 [Ibrahim Ramadan – Anadolu Agency]

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed an eight-metre statue made of quartzite they believe depicts Ramses II, Pharaoh of Egypt who ruled the country 3,000 years ago, in the area of Matariya.

The joint Egyptian-German expedition pulled the ancient head out of ground water yesterday near the ruins of the Ramses II Temple in the ancient city of Heliopolis. Ramses II founded the sun temple in Heliopolis, one of the largest temples in Egypt.

Buried Ramses II Temple discovered in Cairo, Egypt on 9 March 2017 [Ibrahim Ramadan – Anadolu Agency]

If it is proved to be Ramses II the statue will be put on display at the entrance to the Grand Egyptian Museum, which will open its doors in 2018. Also known as Ramses the Great, the pharaoh was the most powerful and celebrated ruler of Egypt.

The Egyptian Antiquities Ministry is calling the find one of the “most important” discoveries ever.

Buried Ramses II Temple discovered in Cairo, Egypt on 9 March 2017 [Ibrahim Ramadan – Anadolu Agency]

CAIRO, EGYPT – MARCH 8: A quartzite colossus possibly of Ramses II and limestone bust of Seti II are seen after they were discovered at the ancient Heliopolis archaeological site in Matareya area in Cairo, Egypt on March 9, 2017. The statues were found in parts in the vicinity of the King Ramses II temple in the temple precinct of ancient Heliopolis, also known as “Oun,” by a German-Egyptian archaeological mission. ( Ibrahim Ramadan – Anadolu Agency )

Buried Ramses II Temple discovered in Cairo, Egypt on 9 March 2017 [Ibrahim Ramadan – Anadolu Agency]

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