A discovery on private land has led to the excavation of two enormous statues in northern Egypt. Khaled el-Shahat found a stone covered with ancient Egyptian picture writing and contacted officials. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities sent a team to Behbeit El Hagar, a village known for its temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.
The larger statue depicts King Ramesses II wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Its surviving head measures about 5.2 feet tall, suggesting that the complete statue probably stood nearly 28 feet tall. Part of a supporting stone pillar also carries one of the king's royal names. The second statue probably represents Ramesses II as well, but shows him wearing a striped headcloth. A nearby pink stone block bears his name and royal titles.
Ramesses II ruled Egypt for 66 years, from around 1279 to 1213 B.C. Earlier discoveries near the temple included building fragments bearing his name. Researchers linked those finds to major construction work under his rule, and the newly discovered statues provide further evidence of his involvement at the site.
