Villager’s Farm Dig Uncovers Two Giant Ramesses II Statues in Northern Egypt
A local resident in Behbeit El Hagar, Egypt, discovered the remains of two massive statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II while working on his land. The larger statue, which originally stood nearly 28 feet tall, features a head wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed the find, noting that the site is known for its temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Key points
- Khaled el-Shahat, a villager, reported the discovery of two large stone blocks to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities after finding them on his property.
- The larger statue is estimated to have been 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall when complete, though only the head, which is 5.2 feet (1.6 meters) tall, remains. This head depicts the pharaoh wearing the double crown.
- The second statue stands approximately 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) tall and shows the king wearing the 'Nemes' headdress, a striped headcloth typical of pharaohs.
- A hieroglyphic inscription on the back pillar of the larger statue identifies the pharaoh's Horus name as 'Strong Bull, Beloved of Right, Truth,' according to Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley.
- The statues were found on the western side of the temple complex at Behbeit El Hagar, a site previously known for architectural fragments bearing Ramesses II's name and a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Background
Recent archaeological efforts in Egypt have highlighted the significance of citizen reporting in preserving heritage. In October 2026, a similar incident occurred where a farmer’s report of an inscribed stone led to the uncovering of colossal statues in the Nile Delta. Additionally, excavations at Tell Al-Abqain in September 2026 revealed a military district and horse burial linked to Ramesses II and Merneptah, underscoring the ongoing importance of New Kingdom sites in the region.
Why it matters
The discovery of these statues provides new physical evidence of Ramesses II's extensive building projects and reinforces the historical significance of Behbeit El Hagar. It also demonstrates the critical role local residents play in uncovering and protecting Egypt's archaeological heritage, leading to immediate intervention by state authorities.
What to watch
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities will continue to excavate and study the statues to determine their exact age and condition. Experts will analyze the inscriptions and the double crown depiction to further understand the artistic and political context of Ramesses II's reign.
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