Colossal Ramses II Statue Remains Discovered in Gharbia

Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered remains of two colossal royal statues at Bahbit Al-Higara in Gharbia Governorate, including one identified as King Ramses II and another believed to depict the same pharaoh. A pink granite block bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions was also found at the site.

The discoveries were made during a rescue excavation by the Supreme Council of Antiquities after a local resident found an inscribed stone block on his land and reported it to inspectors. A specialised archaeological team was then formed to investigate the area.

The first find is the colossal head of a statue of Ramses II wearing the Double Crown, measuring around 1.60 metres high. Its back pillar bears the king’s Horus name, “Hor Ka Nakht Mery Maat.” Based on the scale of the head, archaeologists estimate the complete statue would have stood around 8.5 metres high including its base.

The second discovery consists of a roughly 2.40-metre section of another royal statue, also thought to represent Ramses II. The legs and base are missing, while the upper part of the nemes headdress is damaged. The head was also recovered, with facial features still clearly preserved.

Excavations and studies are continuing to determine the statues’ original form and relationship to the surrounding archaeological remains. The Supreme Council of Antiquities said the work is expected to provide further insight into the history and architectural development of Bahbit Al-Higara.