WORLD NEWS
March 1, 2006
Found: Statues of Ramses the Great
Archaeologists discover a sun temple with large statues of the Egyptian pharaoh
 Parts of a statue believed to be the head of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II |
Below an outdoor market in Cairo, Egypt, archaeologists have uncovered the largest sun temple ever found. The site has huge statues that researchers believe are of the pharaoh King Ramses II.
Who Was Ramses II?
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, ruled Egypt for 66 years, from 1270 to 1213 B.C. Ramses II is known for his military battles against the Hittites and the Syrians. During his rule, Ramses II built monuments along the Nile River to mark his achievements. Ramses also built many temples. The most famous temple is at Abu Simbel, on Egypt's southern border.
Big Statues Uncovered
Archaeologists found huge artifacts at the site. The largest artifact is a pink granite statue that weighs 4 to 5 tons. Researchers say its features are similar to those of Ramses II. They also found a 5-foot-high statue of a seated figure. The statue has hieroglyphics that include three tablets with Ramses II's name. A 3-ton head of a royal statue was also found.
The statues were found under the Souq al-Khamis market. Zahi Hawass, the head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the market will have to be moved to a new location.
The market is in the area where the ancient city Heliopolis was located. The ancient city was once home to many temples built for Egypt's sun gods.
