Egypt completes restoration of colossal Ramses II statue at Minya temple site

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced Wednesday the completion of the restoration and reinstallation of a monumental statue of King Ramses II at El-Ashmunein (Ancient Hermopolis) in Minya Governorate.

The upper portion of the limestone statue, uncovered in February 2024, was reunited with the lower section and returned to its original position at the northern entrance of the temple. Following restoration, the statue now stands 6.7 metres tall and weighs more than 40 tons.

Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said the project reflects the government’s commitment to preserving national heritage to international scientific standards, and represents a successful model of cooperation with foreign archaeological missions. “It underscores the historical and archaeological value of Minya and supports efforts to develop cultural tourism,” he added.

The Egyptian-American mission, active at the site since 2023 under Bassem Gehad of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Yvona Trnka-Amrhein of the University of Colorado, conducted extensive studies to match the newly discovered 3.7-metre upper portion, weighing 12 tons, with the lower half uncovered in 1930. Work included digital documentation, structural assessment, conservation treatment, and stabilisation of the statue’s five-block foundation.

Mohamed Abdel Badi, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, said the restoration process involved dismantling tilted sections, reinforcing stones, and carefully reassembling the statue in accordance with scientific documentation.

The project demonstrates Egypt’s technical capacity in preserving monumental heritage and is expected to strengthen cultural tourism in Minya, contributing to local economic activity while showcasing the country’s ancient legacy.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English