Bronze Sword With Markings Of Pharaoh Ramses II Unearthed In Egypt
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Egyptian archeologists revealed the discovery of a gleaming bronze sword on September 5, 2024. The weapon was marked with the insignia of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. Despite being buried for over 3,000 years, the sword has retained its reflective shine.
The sword was found inside a small room in one of the mud barracks surrounding Tell Al-Abqain, a 3,200-year-old military fort in northwest Egypt. The presence of the pharaoh's emblem on the weapon suggests it belonged to a prominent military official.
Peter Brand, a historian at the University of Memphis, believes the sword's discovery suggests the fort was well-defended. It possibly even had an on-site weapons production area. Brand theorizes that the sword was likely a royal gift to a high-ranking officer.
"The king's name and titles engraved on it served as a status symbol, increasing the owner's prestige and advertising the king's wealth, power, and generosity," he told Live Science.
The ancient fort also revealed a glimpse into the daily lives of its former occupants through various discoveries. The archeologists uncovered storerooms for grain storage and ovens for baking, indicating a self-sufficient community. The excavations also yielded remains of large clay pots containing bones of fish and other animals, suggesting a diverse diet.
Other items, such as bead necklaces and an applicator for kohl eyeliner, provided rare insights into the soldiers' personal lives. Kohl, a dark, black powder, was used by ancient Egyptians to protect their eyes from the harsh desert Sun. Two limestone blocks were also found. One was engraved with the name of someone called "Bay," while the other mentioned Ramses.
Ramses II, often called Ramses the Great, was the second longest-reigning pharaoh in ancient Egypt. He ruled for 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, as the third king of the 19th Dynasty. Ramses II was known for his military prowess. Under his rule, Egypt's borders expanded significantly, stretching from modern-day Syria in the east to Sudan in the south. Nicknamed the "builder pharaoh," he also commissioned numerous temples and monuments during his reign.
Resources: Washingtonpost.com, cbsnews.com, Smithsonian.com
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42 Comments
852128sophie5 monthsCool! 😮Although that ancient sword looks a bit chipped on the sides, but maybe it can still cut things( better not do that:) )
liljimbob5 monthsI did my current event on this so cool
skyza5 monthswow! Im suprised that didn’t break for like a million years🤯📜
skilift7 monthsI love Egypt and everything about it this is my Current Event in my World History class and my teacher will love it! You guys should make more articles on Pharoahs!
jteng7 monthsAwesome archeologist. Learning about this in SS and did my current event on it. =)
3mm3rr0017 monthsoh wow! that's crazy.
dogpeople6008 monthsIts really cool but a bit scary at the same time 😬😬
dragonlover118 monthsLearning about this in SS and did my current event on it. LUV it!! ;)
ryan88888 monthsI also liked this
dacaradafortine9 monthsThis is cool and I also did my current event on this!