Sword of Ramses II Unearthed in Ancient Egyptian Fort
Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed a bronze sword bearing the cartouche of pharaoh Ramses II, offering a glimpse into the military might of the famed rule, CBS News reports.
The sword, estimated to be over 3,000 years old, was discovered in the ruins of Tell Al-Abqain, an ancient military fort in the Beheira Governorate, south of Alexandria.
The fort, which served as a crucial outpost protecting Egypt’s northwestern border from Libyan tribes and Sea Peoples, was a vital part of Ramses II’s vast empire. Dr. Ahmed Saeed El-Kharadly, who led the excavation team, described the fort as a well-equipped base, complete with barracks, warehouses for weapons and supplies, and even personal items like ivory and agate jars.
The discovery of the sword, along with other artifacts such as pottery, fish and animal bones, and even a buried cow – a symbol of power and prosperity in ancient Egypt – sheds light on the daily lives of the soldiers stationed at the fort.
The fort itself is a testament to the enduring legacy of Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great, who ruled Egypt from 1279 B.C. to 1213 B.C. He expanded the Egyptian Empire from modern-day Syria to Sudan, leaving behind a wealth of historical treasures that continue to be unearthed by archaeologists.
Recent discoveries at the temple dedicated to Ramses II in Badrashin, including 2,000 rams’ heads unearthed last year, underscore his lasting impact. Even a statue of the pharaoh, discovered in the Temple of Kom Ombo, reinforces his presence throughout Egypt.
