The Sharqia Governorate in the Nile Delta of Egypt witnessed a remarkable archaeological event with the discovery of a huge statue, believed to be of King Ramses II.
In exclusive statements to RT, Magdy Shaker, chief archaeologist at the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, explained that the statue weighs about 5 or 6 tons of pink granite and was found in the village of “Imet”, popularly known as “Tell Faraoun”, an area that has a deep historical legacy due to its association with great kings such as Ramses II and Smendes I.
Shaker noted that the statue, which is approximately 2.25 meters tall, is originally a triptych depicting King Ramses II alongside a deity, with the third part having been lost over the centuries. Despite its condition, the statue has already been moved to the San El-Hagar area to begin meticulous conservation and restoration work, in order to assess its suitability for future museum display.
Regarding the artistic condition of the statue, the chief archaeologist stated that the granite material from which it was made helped it withstand pressures and harsh environmental factors, especially since it was extracted from a depth of two meters underground, a depth that made it vulnerable to the effects of sewage and agricultural wastewater for long periods.
He stressed that the final decision regarding his offer has not yet been made, and this will only be done after the completion of the comprehensive cleaning phases.
In a related context, Shaker emphasized the strategic value of Sharqia Governorate, describing it as "the richest governorate in the Delta archaeologically," boasting over one hundred archaeological sites, despite the significant challenges these sites face, including urban and agricultural encroachment and rising groundwater levels. He concluded by expressing his hope that the statue would be returned to its original home in Sharqia, serving as the foundation for a museum display befitting the governorate's stature, which currently lacks specialized museums despite its unique historical richness.
