Big Statue of King Ramesses II Found in Egypt

Apr 24, 2026, 13:00
A2

Big Statue of King Ramesses II Found in Egypt

Introduction

Archaeologists from Egypt found a large piece of a statue. The piece is 2.2 meters tall and weighs five to six tons. It shows King Ramesses II. He was a powerful ruler long ago. This find gives new information about the king''s power in the Nile Delta area.

Main Body

The statue piece does not have its bottom part. Archaeologists found it at a place called Tel al-Faraoun. They think the statue was not made there. It came from another city, Pi-Ramesses. People moved it and used it again in a local temple. This shows the statue was important for a long time. The statue was part of a group of three figures. It showed the king with two gods. This group showed that the gods protected the king. Other similar statues were found in the same area. The statue piece is now in a storage place for study. This discovery changes what experts thought about the Nile Delta. They now see the Delta was an important center for government and religion. It had strong links to the main cities. This work is part of a bigger project to study the Delta. The Delta is hard to study because of water and farming. Some historians say Ramesses II might be the pharaoh in the Bible story of Exodus. The story talks about building cities like Pi-Ramesses. The new find is near that city. But there is no proof that the Bible story is true. The Bible does not name the pharaoh.

Conclusion

The find at Tel al-Faraoun helps us understand the Nile Delta better. It was an important place for government and religion long ago. Experts will study the statue piece more. This may teach us more about how kings showed their power.

Vocabulary Learning

found
To discover or see something for the first time.發現
Example:I found my keys under the table.
important
Having great meaning or value.重要的
Example:Water is important for life.
large
Big in size.大的
Example:The elephant is very large.
shows
To let someone see something.顯示，展示
Example:The map shows the way to the museum.
statue
A model of a person or animal made from stone or metal.雕像
Example:There is a statue of a lion in the park.

Sentence Learning

Archaeologists from Egypt found a large piece of a statue.
Simple past tense: 'found' is the past form of 'find'. Subject: 'Archaeologists from Egypt'. Object: 'a large piece of a statue'.本句使用简单过去时，动词'found'是'find'的过去式。主语为'Archaeologists from Egypt'，宾语为'a large piece of a statue'。
The piece is 2.2 meters tall and weighs five to six tons.
Present tense: 'is' and 'weighs' describe current state. '2.2 meters tall' and 'five to six tons' give measurements.本句使用现在时，动词'is'和'weighs'描述当前状态。'2.2 meters tall'和'five to six tons'提供尺寸和重量。
It shows King Ramesses II.
Simple present tense: 'shows' is third person singular. Object: 'King Ramesses II'.本句使用简单现在时，动词'shows'是第三人称单数。宾语为'King Ramesses II'。
He was a powerful ruler long ago.
Simple past tense: 'was' is past of 'is'. 'long ago' indicates past time.本句使用简单过去时，动词'was'是'is'的过去式。'long ago'表示过去的时间。
This find gives new information about the king's power in the Nile Delta area.
Simple present tense: 'gives' is third person singular. 'new information' is object; 'about the king's power...' is a prepositional phrase.本句使用简单现在时，动词'gives'是第三人称单数。'new information'为宾语，'about the king's power...'为介词短语。
B2

Discovery of a Large Statue Fragment of Ramesses II in the Nile Delta Challenges Previous Ideas about Regional Administration

Introduction

Archaeologists from Egypt''s Supreme Council of Antiquities have found a large piece of a statue at Tel al-Faraoun in the Sharqiya Governorate. The piece, about 2.20 meters tall and weighing between five and six tons, is believed to be of Pharaoh Ramesses II, a famous ruler of the 19th Dynasty. This discovery provides new evidence about the extent of royal power in the Nile Delta during the New Kingdom.

Main Body

According to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the statue fragment, which lacks its lower part, was discovered during ongoing excavations at Tel al-Faraoun, a site known in ancient times as Imet. Researchers argue that the statue was probably not originally made for this location. They think it was moved from Pi-Ramesses, the royal capital built by Ramesses II, and later reused in a local temple complex. This practice of moving royal monuments indicates the lasting political and symbolic importance of such statues, which continued to assert the pharaoh''s presence across the region. Stylistic analysis of the fragment—including its proportions and carving techniques—suggests that it originally belonged to a larger sculptural group called a triad. In ancient Egyptian art, triads typically show a king flanked by two gods, symbolizing divine protection and confirming the ruler''s authority. The presence of similar triad sculptures in the Sharqiya Governorate supports this interpretation, although further studies are needed for confirmation. The artifact has been transferred to a storage facility in San El-Hagar for documentation and restoration. This discovery challenges earlier scholarly views about the limits of royal control in the Nile Delta. It indicates that the region functioned as both an administrative and religious center during the New Kingdom, with direct connections to major political hubs. This excavation is part of a national initiative to investigate historically significant but archaeologically challenging areas of the Delta, where high water tables and intensive modern agriculture have hindered research. Separately, some historians have pointed out that Ramesses II is often identified as the pharaoh mentioned in the biblical Book of Exodus, mainly due to references to the construction of the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Pi-Ramesses) during his reign. The geographical proximity of this discovery to the presumed location of Pi-Ramesses reinforces this association in popular discourse. However, no direct archaeological evidence confirms the identity of the pharaoh described in the Exodus narrative, and the biblical account does not name the ruler.

Conclusion

The discovery at Tel al-Faraoun contributes to a re-evaluation of the administrative and religious significance of the Nile Delta during the New Kingdom. Ongoing restoration and analysis of the fragment may yield further insights into the distribution of royal monuments and the mechanisms of pharaonic power projection.

Vocabulary Learning

assert
To state or show something firmly, especially to demonstrate authority主張，維護
Example:The statue continued to assert the pharaoh's presence across the region.
hindered
Made it difficult for something to happen阻礙，妨礙
Example:High water tables and intensive agriculture have hindered archaeological research in the Delta.
indicates
Shows that something is true or exists表明，顯示
Example:This discovery indicates the region functioned as an administrative and religious center.
ongoing
Continuing to happen or exist持續進行的
Example:The ongoing excavations at Tel al-Faraoun have revealed new artifacts.
reinforces
Makes something stronger or more certain加強，強化
Example:The geographical proximity reinforces the association with Pi-Ramesses in popular discourse.

Sentence Learning

According to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the statue fragment, which lacks its lower part, was discovered during ongoing excavations at Tel al-Faraoun, a site known in ancient times as Imet.
This sentence uses a non-defining relative clause ('which lacks its lower part') to add extra information about the statue fragment, and the passive voice ('was discovered') to focus on the action rather than the discoverer. The appositive phrase ('a site known in ancient times as Imet') further describes the location. This structure helps organize the idea by first stating the source, then describing the object, and finally giving the discovery context.這個句子使用非限制性關係從句（「which lacks its lower part」）來補充說明雕像碎片的特徵，並使用被動語態（「was discovered」）來強調動作本身而非發現者。同位語短語（「a site known in ancient times as Imet」）進一步描述地點。這種結構有助於組織信息：先說明來源，再描述物體，最後交代發現背景。
They think it was moved from Pi-Ramesses, the royal capital built by Ramesses II, and later reused in a local temple complex.
This sentence combines passive voice ('was moved', 'reused') with a past participle phrase ('built by Ramesses II') to describe actions performed on the statue. The linking word 'and later' shows a sequence of events. This structure clearly presents the hypothesis about the statue's origin and subsequent use, organizing the idea chronologically.這個句子結合了被動語態（「was moved」、「reused」）和過去分詞短語（「built by Ramesses II」）來描述雕像經歷的動作。連接詞「and later」顯示事件順序。這種結構清晰地呈現了關於雕像來源及後續用途的假設，按時間順序組織信息。
This practice of moving royal monuments indicates the lasting political and symbolic importance of such statues, which continued to assert the pharaoh's presence across the region.
This sentence uses a non-defining relative clause ('which continued to assert...') to provide additional information about the statues. The main clause states a cause-and-effect relationship: the practice indicates importance. The relative clause explains the consequence of that importance. This structure helps elaborate on the significance of the practice by linking it to the statues' ongoing role.這個句子使用非限制性關係從句（「which continued to assert...」）來補充說明雕像的作用。主句陳述因果關係：這種做法顯示了重要性。關係從句解釋了這種重要性的後果。這種結構通過將做法與雕像持續的角色聯繫起來，有助於詳細說明其意義。
The presence of similar triad sculptures in the Sharqiya Governorate supports this interpretation, although further studies are needed for confirmation.
This sentence uses the linking word 'although' to introduce a contrast between the supporting evidence and the need for more research. The main clause presents a positive point, while the subordinate clause adds a limitation. The passive voice ('are needed') keeps the focus on the requirement rather than who needs them. This structure organizes the idea by first giving supporting evidence, then acknowledging uncertainty.這個句子使用連接詞「although」來引入對比：一邊是支持性證據，另一邊是需要更多研究。主句提出正面觀點，從句則補充限制。被動語態（「are needed」）將焦點放在需求上而非誰需要。這種結構先給出支持證據，再承認不確定性，有助於組織信息。
Separately, some historians have pointed out that Ramesses II is often identified as the pharaoh mentioned in the biblical Book of Exodus, mainly due to references to the construction of the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Pi-Ramesses) during his reign.
This sentence uses the passive voice ('is often identified', 'mentioned') to present common scholarly opinion without naming the identifier. The linking phrase 'mainly due to' introduces the reason for this identification. The structure first states the claim, then provides the cause, organizing the idea logically. The adverb 'Separately' also signals a shift in topic.這個句子使用被動語態（「is often identified」、「mentioned」）來呈現常見的學術觀點，而不指明誰提出。連接短語「mainly due to」引入識別的原因。結構先陳述主張，再提供原因，邏輯地組織信息。副詞「Separately」也標誌著話題的轉換。
C2

Discovery of a Colossal Statue Fragment of Ramesses II in the Nile Delta Challenges Prior Assumptions about Regional Administration

Introduction

Archaeologists from Egypt''s Supreme Council of Antiquities have unearthed a substantial fragment of a statue at Tel al-Faraoun in the Sharqiya Governorate. The artefact, measuring approximately 2.20 metres in height and weighing between five and six tons, is attributed to Pharaoh Ramesses II, a prominent ruler of the 19th Dynasty. The find provides new evidence regarding the extent of royal influence in the Nile Delta during the New Kingdom.

Main Body

The fragment, which lacks its lower portion, was discovered during ongoing excavations at Tel al-Faraoun, a site known in antiquity as Imet. According to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the statue was likely not originally carved for this location. Researchers hypothesize that it was transported from Pi-Ramesses, the royal capital established by Ramesses II, and subsequently reused within a local temple complex. This practice of relocating royal monuments indicates the enduring political and symbolic significance of such statues, which continued to assert the pharaoh''s presence across the territory. Stylistic analysis of the fragment—including its proportions and carving techniques—suggests that it originally belonged to a larger sculptural group classified as a triad. In ancient Egyptian art, triads typically depict a king flanked by two deities, symbolizing divine protection and legitimizing the ruler''s authority. The presence of similar triad sculptures in the Sharqiya Governorate lends additional support to this interpretation, though further studies are required for confirmation. The artefact has been transferred to a storage facility in San El-Hagar for documentation and restoration. The discovery challenges previous scholarly views on the limits of royal control in the Nile Delta. It indicates that the region functioned as both an administrative and religious centre during the New Kingdom, with direct connections to major political hubs. This excavation is part of a national initiative to investigate historically significant but archaeologically challenging areas of the Delta, where high water tables and intensive modern agriculture have hindered research. Separately, some historians have noted that Ramesses II is frequently identified as the pharaoh mentioned in the biblical Book of Exodus, primarily due to references to the construction of the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Pi-Ramesses) during his reign. The geographical proximity of the discovery to the presumed location of Pi-Ramesses reinforces this association in popular discourse. However, no direct archaeological evidence confirms the identity of the pharaoh described in the Exodus narrative, and the biblical account does not name the ruler.

Conclusion

The discovery at Tel al-Faraoun contributes to a re-evaluation of the administrative and religious significance of the Nile Delta during the New Kingdom. Ongoing restoration and analysis of the fragment may yield further insights into the distribution of royal monuments and the mechanisms of pharaonic power projection.

Vocabulary Learning

enduring
Lasting for a long time; persistent.持久的；長久的
Example:This practice of relocating royal monuments indicates the enduring political and symbolic significance of such statues, which continued to assert the pharaoh's presence across the territory.
flanked
Having something on both sides; placed at the side of.位於兩側的；夾在…之間的
Example:In ancient Egyptian art, triads typically depict a king flanked by two deities, symbolizing divine protection and legitimizing the ruler's authority.
hypothesize
To propose a hypothesis; to assume tentatively.假設；推測
Example:Researchers hypothesize that it was transported from Pi-Ramesses, the royal capital established by Ramesses II, and subsequently reused within a local temple complex.
legitimizing
The act of making something legitimate, acceptable, or justified.使合法化；賦予正當性
Example:In ancient Egyptian art, triads typically depict a king flanked by two deities, symbolizing divine protection and legitimizing the ruler's authority.
triad
A group of three, especially a sculptural group of three figures in ancient Egyptian art.三尊組像（尤指古埃及藝術中由國王和兩位神祇組成的雕塑群）
Example:In ancient Egyptian art, triads typically depict a king flanked by two deities, symbolizing divine protection and legitimizing the ruler's authority.

Sentence Learning

The artefact, measuring approximately 2.20 metres in height and weighing between five and six tons, is attributed to Pharaoh Ramesses II, a prominent ruler of the 19th Dynasty.
This sentence features a reduced relative clause (participial phrase) "measuring... and weighing..." modifying "the artefact", and an appositive noun phrase "a prominent ruler of the 19th Dynasty" providing additional information about Ramesses II. The main clause is "The artefact is attributed to Pharaoh Ramesses II."此句包含簡化關係子句（分詞短語）「measuring... and weighing...」修飾「the artefact」，以及同位語名詞短語「a prominent ruler of the 19th Dynasty」補充說明拉美西斯二世。主句為「The artefact is attributed to Pharaoh Ramesses II.」
This practice of relocating royal monuments indicates the enduring political and symbolic significance of such statues, which continued to assert the pharaoh's presence across the territory.
The main clause is "This practice... indicates the enduring... significance". The non-restrictive relative clause "which continued to assert..." provides additional information about the statues. The phrase "of relocating royal monuments" is a prepositional phrase modifying "practice".主句為「This practice... indicates the enduring... significance」。非限制性關係子句「which continued to assert...」補充說明雕像。短語「of relocating royal monuments」為修飾「practice」的介詞短語。
Stylistic analysis of the fragment—including its proportions and carving techniques—suggests that it originally belonged to a larger sculptural group classified as a triad.
The main clause is "Stylistic analysis... suggests that...". The em-dash insertion "—including its proportions and carving techniques—" provides parenthetical detail. The subordinate clause "that it originally belonged to a larger sculptural group" is the object of "suggests". The phrase "classified as a triad" is a reduced relative clause (past participle) modifying "group".主句為「Stylistic analysis... suggests that...」。破折號插入語「—including its proportions and carving techniques—」提供補充說明。從句「that it originally belonged to a larger sculptural group」為「suggests」的賓語。短語「classified as a triad」為簡化關係子句（過去分詞）修飾「group」。
Researchers hypothesize that it was transported from Pi-Ramesses, the royal capital established by Ramesses II, and subsequently reused within a local temple complex.
The main clause is "Researchers hypothesize". The subordinate clause "that it was transported... and subsequently reused..." is the object of "hypothesize". Within that clause, "the royal capital established by Ramesses II" is an appositive modifying "Pi-Ramesses", with "established" being a reduced relative clause (past participle). The compound predicate "was transported... and subsequently reused" uses passive voice.主句為「Researchers hypothesize」。從句「that it was transported... and subsequently reused...」為「hypothesize」的賓語。該從句中，「the royal capital established by Ramesses II」為修飾「Pi-Ramesses」的同位語，其中「established」為簡化關係子句（過去分詞）。複合謂語「was transported... and subsequently reused」使用被動語態。
Separately, some historians have noted that Ramesses II is frequently identified as the pharaoh mentioned in the biblical Book of Exodus, primarily due to references to the construction of the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Pi-Ramesses) during his reign.
The main clause is "some historians have noted". The subordinate clause "that Ramesses II is frequently identified as the pharaoh mentioned..." is the object of "noted". Within that clause, "mentioned in the biblical Book of Exodus" is a reduced relative clause (past participle) modifying "pharaoh". The phrase "primarily due to references..." is an adverbial causal phrase. Parentheses provide additional information.主句為「some historians have noted」。從句「that Ramesses II is frequently identified as the pharaoh mentioned...」為「noted」的賓語。該從句中，「mentioned in the biblical Book of Exodus」為簡化關係子句（過去分詞）修飾「pharaoh」。短語「primarily due to references...」為狀語因果短語。括號提供補充信息。