{
  "id": 14647737,
  "title": "New discovery unearths statues of King Ramses II in Nile Delta",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/new-discovery-unearths-statues-of-king-ramses-ii-in-nile-delta",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T08:11:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Egypt Independent",
    "slug": "egypt-independent",
    "url": "https://www.egyptindependent.com/new-discovery-unearths-statues-of-king-ramses-ii-in-nile-delta/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An archaeological discovery in Behbeit al-Hagar, located in the Gharbiya Governorate of Egypt, has unearthed significant royal artifacts from the time of King Ramses II. These findings offer fresh insights into the New Kingdom's presence in the Nile Delta region. The excavation, conducted recently, revealed the remnants of two enormous royal statues, along with a block of pink granite bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions.\n\nTamer al-Menshawy, an Egyptian antiquities researcher, verified that this discovery underscores the historic significance of Behbeit al-Hagar. The site is primarily recognized for its large temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. The principal artifact is a 1.6-meter tall statue head of Ramses II, wearing the Double Crown (Pschent), a symbol of the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Experts believe the full statue would have been around 8.5 meters in height.\n\nAlongside the statue head, excavators found a 2.4-meter tall torso and head of another royal statue, also wearing the traditional Nemes headcloth. Although the statue is missing its base and lower limbs, the facial features remain well-preserved and are strikingly similar to the first colossal piece. Moreover, a 1.3-meter pink granite block was recovered, inscribed with royal titles such as \"Nesu-Bity\" (King of Upper and Lower Egypt) and \"Sa-Re\" (Son of Ra).\n\nThis discovery illustrates how Ramses II employed grand architecture and monumental statuary to assert both political and religious authority across the Delta, extending beyond southern centers like Luxor and Abu Simbel. Officials acknowledged the initial finding of the granite block to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, enabling rapid documentation and rescue excavations. Future excavations at Behbeit al-Hagar are anticipated to provide more details about the architectural context in which these royal monuments were incorporated into the Delta's temple complexes.",
  "summary": "A new archaeological discovery in the village of Behbeit al-Hagar, Gharbiya Governorate has brought to light major royal artifacts from the reign of King Ramses II, offering new insight into the New Kingdom’s presence in the Nile Delta. The find, announced following excavations at the site, includes the remains of two colossal royal statues alongside … The post New discovery unearths statues of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Two massive royal statues discovered in Behbeit al-Hagar, Egypt.",
    "Statues include 1.6-meter tall Ramses II head and 2.4-meter tall royal torso.",
    "Hieroglyphic inscriptions on granite block reveal King's titles."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}