Bahbit Al-Higara:Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of fragments of two colossal royal statues in Bahbit Al-Higara village, located in Gharbia Governorate. One statue has been identified as depicting King Ramses II, while the other is also believed to represent him.
According to Emirates News Agency, the discoveries were made during rescue excavations conducted by a mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Among the findings was a pink granite block inscribed with the pharaoh's royal titles in hieroglyphs.
The first discovery includes a 1.60-meter-tall head of Ramses II, adorned with the Double Crown symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. This is accompanied by a part of a back pillar featuring his Horus name. The original statue is estimated to have stood about 8.5 meters tall, including its base.
The second statue's fragment measures 2.40 meters, although its legs and base are missing. It retains a well-preserved head with distinct facial features, showing the king wearing the traditional royal nemes headdress.
Additionally, a separate pink granite block measuring 1.30 meters carries two hieroglyphic inscriptions, identifying Ramses II by his royal titles, Nesu-Bity (King of Upper and Lower Egypt) and Sa-Ra (Son of Ra).
The ministry indicated that archaeological excavations and studies would continue to explore the nature of the finds and their interrelations, aiming to provide further insight into the site's history and architectural development.
