Evidence of this can be found in the markings from the time of Egypt’s most powerful king, depicted on an astonishing artifact that is over 3,000 years old (likely around 3200).
A team of archaeologists from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities discovered a sword among the ruins of an ancient military fort in Khush-Eissi, a city located south of Alexandria. The researchers also uncovered soldiers’ barracks and storage facilities for food and weapons within the fort. Ramses II, who ruled Egypt from 1279 to 1213 B.C., was renowned for his military prowess and strategic genius, commanding an army of 100,000.
Experts suggest that the ancient sword likely belonged not to the famous pharaoh himself, but to a high-ranking individual within his circle.
Elizabeth Frood, an Egyptologist at the University of Oxford who was not involved in the excavations, stated, “An item bearing the cartouches of Ramses II could have belonged to someone of high status. The ability to display such an item, even if it was likely kept in a sheath, was a sign of status and prestige.”
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the fortress where the sword was found protected Egypt’s northwestern borders from potential invasions by Libyan tribes and the so-called “Sea Peoples.” This term referred to groups of aggressive seafarers who were defeated by Ramses III in 1178 B.C. when one of the tribes attempted to invade the country.
What Else Did the Archaeologists Find?
The team also uncovered a treasure trove of jewelry, scarabs, and protective amulets at the excavation site. Among the findings were numerous personal items and artifacts belonging to soldiers. These objects helped paint a comprehensive picture of the “daily life and religious beliefs of the fort’s inhabitants,” the researchers noted.
Additionally, the archaeologists stumbled upon two limestone blocks. One of them bore the titles of Pharaoh Ramses II, while the other belonged to an official named Bay.
Ramses II is remembered in history as the “Great Ancestor,” primarily for leading several military expeditions and significantly expanding the Egyptian Empire. The most famous battle of his reign was the clash against the Hittites at Kadesh, which took place in 1247 B.C. Ramses II personally led about 20,000 soldiers into battle. Notably, this was one of the largest chariot battles in history. It ended in a stalemate, after which both sides signed a peace treaty, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Researchers have been particularly focused on the figure of Ramses II since his remains were discovered in 1881 in a secret cache at Deir el-Bahari, near Luxor.