Archaeologists have identified the original sarcophagus of pharaoh Ramesses II

Archaeologists from Sorbonne University have identified the original sarcophagus of Ramesses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most renowned pharaohs. Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, ruled from 1279 BCE to 1213 BCE during the 19th Dynasty. His reign was renowned for its vast military campaigns and ambitious construction endeavors.

Long side of the granite sarcophagus of Ramesses II. Credit: Kevin Cahail

Historical Context and Discover
Ramesses II’s tomb, designated KV7, is located in the Valley of the Kings, near the tombs of his sons, KV5, and his successor, Merenptah, in KV8. The pharaoh’s final resting place, however, has been a subject of speculation. Historical accounts detail that during the reign of Ramesses III in the 20th Dynasty, KV7 was plundered by grave robbers. To protect the remains, priests moved Ramesses II’s mummy several times, ultimately placing it in a tomb designated TT320. This tomb, located near Deir el-Bahari in the Theban Necropolis, served as a royal cache containing over 50 mummies of New Kingdom royals.

Details of the granite sarcophagus of Ramesses II. Credit: Kevin Cahail

In 1881, archaeologists uncovered Ramesses II’s mummy in TT320, housed in a simple wooden coffin, indicating it was a temporary solution. The recent breakthrough stems from the re-examination of a granite sarcophagus fragment found in 2009 at a Coptic monastery in Abydos, Egypt. Egyptologist Frédéric Payraudeau from Sorbonne University identified this fragment as part of the original sarcophagus of Ramesses II.

The Sarcophagus Fragment
The granite sarcophagus fragment was initially discovered by archaeologists Ayman Damarani and Kevin Cahail. The fragment’s intricate decoration and hieroglyphic texts suggest it was repurposed by a high priest of the 21st Dynasty, Menkheperre, around 1000 BCE. However, the original owner remained unidentified until Payraudeau’s detailed analysis revealed the cartouche of Ramesses II. This critical discovery confirmed that the fragment was part of the pharaoh’s original burial container.

In his study published in the Revue d’Égyptologie, Payraudeau explained how the inscriptions and iconography unique to Ramesses II’s time helped establish the fragment’s provenance. “The quality of the craftsmanship and the specific references to deities like Ra and Osiris strongly indicate that this sarcophagus was initially intended for Ramesses II,” Payraudeau noted.

Implications of the Discovery
The sarcophagus dates back to approximately 1279-1213 BCE, aligning with Ramesses II’s reign. Its elaborate design and inscriptions underscore the artistic and religious conventions of the era.

This discovery highlights the extensive efforts made by ancient Egyptians to safeguard the remains of their significant rulers. It also illustrates the practice of later rulers repurposing funerary objects. For instance, during the 21st Dynasty, high priest Menkheperre and Pharaoh Psusennes I reused sarcophagi from earlier dynasties, reflecting a period of resourcefulness amidst tomb looting.

Hieroglyphic decoration in one of the chambers of the temple of Ramesses II in Abu Simbel, Egypt. Credit: Przemyslaw Idzkiewicz / Wikimedia Commons

The identification of the sarcophagus was facilitated by advanced imaging techniques and material analysis. These technologies allowed researchers to authenticate the fragment and decipher its inscriptions accurately.

The identification of Ramesses II’s original sarcophagus marks a significant milestone in Egyptology. Future research will focus on further analyzing the sarcophagus and its broader context within New Kingdom mortuary practices.

More information: Frédéric Payraudeau, Le sarcophage de Ramsès II remployé à Abydos!. Revue d’Égyptologie, vol.73. DOI: 10.2143/RE.73.0.3292985

Related Posts

Sardinian figurines reveal Bronze Age metal trade and wide connections

Sardinian figurines reveal Bronze Age metal trade and wide connections

A recent international study has explained the history of Sardinia’s iconic bronzetti statues, showing previously unknown facts about Bronze Age metallurgy and long-distance trade in the Mediterranean….

350-year-old mummified head in Switzerland traced to Bolivia’s Aymara people after new study

350-year-old mummified head in Switzerland traced to Bolivia’s Aymara people after new study

A mummified head housed in Switzerland for more than a century is rewriting what experts thought they knew about its origins. For many years, the remains—consisting of…

New study shows Britain’s economy did not collapse after the Romans left

New study shows Britain’s economy did not collapse after the Romans left

A new study has indicated that Britain’s industrial economy did not collapse with the Romans’ withdrawal, but instead continued for centuries, and actually reached its major revival…

Complete copy of the Canopus Decree unearthed in Egypt after 150 years

Complete copy of the Canopus Decree unearthed in Egypt after 150 years

In a breakthrough find, an Egyptian archaeological team has unearthed a previously unknown and intact copy of the Canopus Decree, which dates back to 238 BCE. The…

Late Bronze Age elites at Seddin reveal foreign origins and long-distance mobility across Europe

Late Bronze Age elites at Seddin reveal foreign origins and long-distance mobility across Europe

New research has demonstrated that the majority of people buried in monumental mounds in northwestern Brandenburg, Germany, around Seddin, were not locals but individuals believed to have…

Archaeological sites with ancient carvings found atop Phu Khat Mountain

Archaeological sites with ancient carvings found atop Phu Khat Mountain

Thailand’s wildlife rangers and archaeologists have recently announced a significant discovery on the summit of Phu Khat Mountain, the highest summit of Phu Khat Wildlife Sanctuary. At…