The Stolen Statue of Ramses II
The awe-inspiring statue making headlines is actually just a head, though it’s understood that it was once part of a large, vertical statue of the famous pharaoh, Ramses II.
Source: Reddit
The head was apparently stolen off the body somewhere between the 1980s and 1990s, though no one quite knows when or who stole it.
The Head Once Sat in the King’s Temple of Abydos
The head of Ramses II, which was missing for decades, was built within the king’s ancient temple of Abydos some 3,400 years ago. Construction of the Temple of Abydos began with Ramses II’s father, Seti I, though the young pharaoh completed the temple during his reign.
Source: Wikipedia
Several statues were constructed there to celebrate Seti I, Ramses II, and many other important Egyptian deities. The temple and its artwork have long been considered one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites.
Ramses II Is One of the Most Important Ancient Egyptian Leaders
The great civilization of Ancient Egypt lasted an almost unbelievable 3,000 years. Over those three millennia, about 170 kings, or “pharaohs” as they were called, ruled and led their people.
Source: Britannica
They weren’t elected but were born into the role and were considered by the Egyptians to be gods in human forms, chosen by the deities to be the link between the living and the divine. And of these 170 god-like leaders, Ramses II has long been considered one of the most important.
Why Was Ramses II So Important?
Ramses II led Egypt during its 19th dynasty from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He holds the second-place title for the longest reign in Egyptian history, but that’s not what makes him so famous.
Source: Reddit
While Ramses II was in power, he deftly defeated two other civilizations in grueling wars, sired more children than any other pharaoh, and built some of the society’s most impressive temples and edifices. Ancient Egyptians called him the “ruler of rulers” and erected more statues of Ramses II than any other king in history.
The Wonders of Ancient Egyptian Construction and Sculpture
For centuries, visitors and modern-day Egyptians alike have marveled at the awe-inspiring construction, artwork, and sculpture of the Ancient Egyptians.
Source: Freepik
Of course, many have wondered how these people were able to create such incredible feats of engineering, such as the Great Pyramids. But they have also marveled at the giant statues of the gods and leaders of the ancient world which are still in almost pristine condition in many locations.
The Missing Head of Ramses II
Sadly, because the artwork of Ancient Egyptians is so revered around the world, many criminals have made it their life’s work to steal some of these absolutely amazing pieces and sell them at almost unbelievable prices.
Source: @NationalGeographic/YouTube
Sometime in the 1980s or 1990s, one such criminal was able to remove the giant head of Ramses II off of his statue and transport it out of the country to be sold to the highest bidder.
The Head of Ramses II Was Found at an Auction in 2013
For several decades, the beloved head of Ramses II was simply gone without a trace. However, in 2013, it finally appeared at an exhibition auction in London, England.
Source: Freepik
For several years, Egyptian authorities tracked the head as it moved throughout Europe from owner to owner, attempting to find a way to return it to its rightful place in Egypt. Finally, the head landed in Switzerland, and they were able to do exactly that.
Switzerland Handed Over the Head of Ramses II
After ten years of waiting, Switzerland announced that it would hand over Ramses II’s head to the Egyptian authorities at the country’s embassy in Bern.
Source: Wikipedia
It sat there for an entire year as the Egyptian Antiquities Ministry planned for its extraction. Now, 30 years after the statue went missing, eleven years after they found it, and a whole year after it was released into their care, the head of Ramses II is finally back in Egypt.
The Head of Ramses II Will Not Be Returned to the Temple
Even though experts know exactly where the head once sat in the ancient Temple of Abydos, they will not return it to its original place there.
Source: Freepik
The main reason why is because the sun and weather wear the amazing statues down over time, and because this head is of such historical importance, they believe it should and can be better cared for inside a museum.
It Will Be on Display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Egypt’s Antiquities Ministry announced that the head of Ramses II is now sitting safely in a storeroom at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Source: Wikipedia
As soon as experts have seen and restored it, the head will be displayed prominently in the museum for all visitors to marvel at.
Egypt Will Continue Its Quest to Return All Ancient Artifacts to Their Rightful Home
This story is certainly exciting for historians, archaeologists, and anyone who appreciates the wonders of Ancient Egypt. However, Egyptian authorities say it’s just one of what they hope will be many similar tales.
Source: Freepik
More than ever before, Egyptian authorities understand just how important the many artifacts of their rich history are to the country, and they plan to work tirelessly to ensure each and every stolen or misplaced piece makes its way back to Egyptian soil as soon as possible.