In a groundbreaking discovery, the joint Egyptian-French archaeological mission between the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ Department of Preservation and Registration and the French National Center for Scientific Research, alongside the University of Sorbonne, has uncovered a wealth of new findings at the Ramesseum Temple on the West Bank of Luxor. These recent excavations have shed light on previously unknown aspects of the temple’s history and daily life in ancient Egypt.
Major Discoveries at the Ramesseum
The mission’s excavations have revealed a number of significant discoveries, including tombs dating back to the Third Intermediate Period, storage facilities for olive oil, honey, fats, and wine cellars, as well as workshops for textile production and stonework. These findings offer a unique glimpse into the daily activities and administrative functions of the Ramesseum, which was not only a religious center but also played a crucial role in the management of resources and commerce.
One of the most remarkable discoveries is the excavation of the “House of Life,” an educational institution attached to the temple. This discovery is significant as it reveals the architectural layout of this scholarly center, along with a collection of artifacts including remnants of school drawings and games. This is the first evidence of a school operating within the Ramesseum, known also as the “Temple of Millions of Years,” and highlights the role of the temple in promoting education and knowledge in ancient Egypt.
Insights into the Temple’s Role in Ancient Egypt
The excavations have also uncovered a number of buildings on the eastern side of the temple, likely used as administrative offices. Additionally, on the northern side of the temple, studies have confirmed that the storage spaces were used to store olive oil, honey, and fats, alongside wine cellars, where labels of wine jars were frequently found, offering a glimpse into the economic activities tied to the temple.
The mission also revealed a series of tombs from the Third Intermediate Period located in the northeastern part of the temple, which contained well-preserved burial goods, including canopic jars, funerary tools, and nested coffins. Among these items were 401 Ushabti statues made of pottery, adding to the archaeological significance of the site.
Minister’s Praise for the Discovery
Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, praised the efforts of the excavation team in uncovering these new aspects of the Ramesseum’s history. “These discoveries offer valuable insights into the religious, social, and economic functions of the temple during ancient Egypt,” he stated. “Such findings not only enrich our understanding of the temple but also contribute significantly to the global knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization.”
A Comprehensive Understanding of the Ramesseum’s Importance
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the importance of these discoveries in shedding light on the long and complex history of the Ramesseum. He noted that these findings deepen our understanding of the temple’s role during the New Kingdom, especially under the reign of the Ramesside pharaohs. “The Ramesseum was not just a religious site, but also a center for administrative and economic activities,” Dr. Khaled explained.
Furthermore, these findings reinforce the idea that the Ramesseum operated as a royal institution dedicated to worshiping the king, even during his lifetime. The temple also played a role in the redistribution of goods and resources, benefiting the local population and artisans in the nearby Deir el-Medina village, who were governed by the royal authorities.
Uncovering New Layers of History
Dr. Hesham El-Laythi, Head of the Department of Preservation and Registration at the Supreme Council of Antiquities and leader of the Egyptian side of the mission, highlighted the rediscovery of the tomb of “Sahtep Ib Ra,” which was first discovered by British archaeologist Quibell in 1896. This tomb, dating back to the Middle Kingdom, is adorned with scenes depicting the funerary rites of its owner.
Additionally, Dr. El-Laythi mentioned that the mission is continuing its excavation efforts to uncover more secrets of the Ramesseum. Recent restoration work includes the southern part of the temple, from the hall of columns to the sanctum, as well as the restoration of fragments from a statue of Tuya, the mother of Ramesses II.
French Mission’s Contributions
Dr. Christian LeBlanc, head of the French side of the mission, outlined the efforts to restore and better understand the layout of the royal palace adjacent to the temple’s first courtyard. Through extensive excavation, the mission has been able to identify the original layout, including a reception hall and throne room where the king would conduct meetings while at the Ramesseum. In the second pylon area, part of the granite lintel was uncovered, depicting Ramesses II as a god before the deity Amun-Ra, along with remnants of the original cornice which once featured friezes of monkeys.
In addition to these findings, the mission also worked on clearing the northern and southern processional paths, revealing many important discoveries from the Third Intermediate Period. Numerous statues and fragments of statues, including representations of Anubis, were discovered and are in the process of being restored.
A 34-Year Ongoing Excavation
The Egyptian-French mission has been working at the Ramesseum since 1991, with over three decades of excavations and restoration projects. Throughout this time, the mission has uncovered vast amounts of information about the temple’s architecture, daily life, and role in Egyptian society. As the excavation and restoration work continues, the mission hopes to uncover even more of the secrets hidden within this iconic site, further enriching our understanding of ancient Egypt’s history.
These new findings at the Ramesseum not only add to the temple’s historical significance but also contribute to Egypt’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its unparalleled cultural heritage.
