When a huge statue was unveiled last year pharaoh Psammetika I. in Matariya, the press eagerly welcomed her as a depiction of the great Ramses II, one of the most famous rulers of ancient Egypt. For many, however, it was disappointing when the inscription on the column showed that it was a statue of a monarch named Psammetik I. It was a lesser-known pharaoh who ruled six centuries later (664 to 610 BC).

Psammetik I

But for archaeologists, the search is all the rarer and more exciting. They grouped more than 6 fragments and were able to perform 000D reconstruction with the help of modern technology. Now they can say with certainty that the statue of Psammetic I was 3 cm high and the monarch was depicted with his left hand outstretched in front of his body.

Egyptologist Dietrich Raue says:

"It simply came to our notice then. We can be sure that nothing has been reworked and changed. It's really a work of art. "

Ruins in Heliopolis

But the size of the statue is a surprise. The first royal colossi, larger than life-size statues, were made in the 12th dynasty (1938 - 1756 BC). This trend was in full swing during the reign of Ramses II. After Ramses, the statues were gradually reduced back to life size. That is one of the reasons why this statue is so rare. At that time, such a huge statue was a unique phenomenon.

King of culture

Dietrich Raue also calls Psammetics I the founder of the Renaissance movement in Egypt. He revived culture in Egypt, helped restore religion, art and architecture. Fragments of the statue were found at the site of the temple belonging to Ramses II. He is believed to have stood just in front of the great pylon dedicated to him, suggesting that Psammetic I wanted to be associated with this great ruler.

"I am absolutely fascinated to see him try to become part of the greatest period of government in Egypt."

The statue stood in Heliopolis - the cultural and religious center of ancient Egypt. The city has served as a center of sun worship for over 2500 years. The depiction of the unusual gesture of the statue only confirms this. The psammetic is depicted kneeling and bowing to the sun (god Atum).

Psammetic I. kneeling before the sun god

The mystery of the destruction of the statue

However, it is still a mystery to archaeologists why and when the statue was destroyed. It was either destroyed by early Christians during Roman rule or by Muslim rulers in the 10th or 11th century. They could reuse the material to build the Cairo fortifications.

As signs of deliberate destruction were found on the statue, this monarch probably lay in someone's stomach. The psammetic's mouth was also clenched - did anyone want to silence him?

Psammetic I. - patient ruler

Psammetic I began as one of many local rulers. It was only after the Assyrian invasion that Psammetik was appointed pharaoh. His clever negotiations have kept him in power for more than 50 years and he is credited with reunifying Egypt. He was in no hurry to try to exercise his authority throughout the country, leaving everything to time and progress.

He pursued a wise policy, which probably included the fact that he did not carry out construction projects everywhere, he did not base himself so much on fame and his imprint. Maybe that was why he had never enjoyed as much fame as Ramses II.

Are you interested in Egypt? We recommend books from the Sueneé Universe e-shop

GFL Stanglmeier: The Secret of Egyptology

(clicking on the image or the title of the book will open a new window with the product details)

Who really was Usir? A king from the beginning of time, one of the ancient idols, the most powerful deity of all time, or an astronaut who visited our planet thousands of years ago? What other mysteries are associated with Usir's head? The authors raise exciting questions: It is indeed possible that during the reign of the prominent Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II. did the Egyptians make contact with America? Did they import drugs from there? How did the golden ancient Egyptian monuments get to Bavaria? What gave rise to the myth of the curse of the pharaohs? What is the secret behind finding a golden scarab with a royal cartouche in Israel? You will find all this in this book.

GFL Stanglmeier: The Secret of Egyptology

Christopher Dunn: The Lost Technologies of Pyramid Builders 

(clicking on the image or the title of the book will open a new window with the product details)

Ancient Egyptian builders using complex manufacturing tools; and technology for the construction of its monuments, which have survived to this day. The author deals with the research of various monuments whose manufacturing accuracy is absolutely stunning. The reader has the opportunity to get a new perspective on the possible technological processes of production ve Ancient Egypt. We recommend!

Rating of the book by the reader Pavel: Once you start reading, you will have trouble putting the book away later. Unknown facts, interesting connections and all this presented clearly, even for a complete layman.

Christopher Dunn: The Lost Technologies of Pyramid Builders