Massive Statue Discovered at Tell Faraon in Sharqia Governorate

As part of the mission led by the Egyptian archaeological team from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, a massive statue has been unearthed at the Tell Faraon site in El Husseiniya, Sharqia Governorate. While the lower portion—including the legs and base—is missing, preliminary findings suggest the statue depicts King Ramses II.

 Key Findings and Specifications

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized that this discovery is a significant archaeological indicator. It sheds light on religious and royal activities in the Eastern Delta and enhances our understanding of the transport and reuse of royal statues during the New Kingdom.

Dimensions & Weight: The statue is notably large, weighing between 5 to 6 tons and measuring approximately 2.20 meters in length.

Condition: Despite being in relatively poor condition, the remaining features display distinct royal artistic styles.

 Composition: Experts believe the statue was originally part of a triad(a group of three deities or royals), similar to those previously discovered in other Sharqia sites.

Historical Context: From Pi-Ramesses to Imet

Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badea, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, stated that initial studies indicate the statue was likely moved in antiquity from the city of Pi-Ramessesto Tell Faraon (known anciently as Imet). It was repurposed within a religious complex, reflecting the site's enduring historical and spiritual importance.

 Preservation and Restoration

To ensure the safety of the find, the statue was immediately transported from the temple complex to the Tanis (San al-Hagar)museum storehouse. Restoration experts are set to begin urgent, specialized conservation work following the highest international scientific standards.

Note on Recent Discoveries:

 This find follows the discovery last September of a stone stela representing a new version of the famous Decree of Canopus. Issued by Ptolemy III in 238 BC, the decree was a royal proclamation by high priests to honor the King, his wife Berenice, and their daughter, with copies distributed across major Egyptian temples.