Sword inscribed by Egyptian pharaoh unearthed from ancient military camp

A recent archaeological excavation in Egypt has uncovered a 3,200-year-old military camp containing a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including a sword inscribed with the name of Pharaoh Ramses II. The discovery sheds light on Egypt’s military campaigns during the reign of Ramses II, when the threat from the Libyans was growing. The camp also contained grain storage rooms, baking ovens, and pottery filled with animal bones, including fish. In addition, archaeologists have discovered cattle burials at the site, and experts believe that the animals were used for food.

Bronze sword and limestone blocks found

One of the most significant finds was a bronze sword inscribed with the name of Ramses II, which was found in a small room near what was likely a defensive position. This suggests the sword was used in combat, not just for rituals, said Ahmed el Haradli, an archaeologist at Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The excavation also uncovered two limestone blocks inscribed with hieroglyphics, one with the name of Ramses II and the other mentioning an official named Bey.

Strategic military location

The camp is located along a military road in the northwest Nile Delta, a strategic location for Egyptian forces to defend against potential invasions from the Western Desert and the Mediterranean. The location of the site matches historical records of heightened tensions between Egypt and Libya.

Anthony Spallinger, a professor at the University of Auckland, noted that the garrison may have played a key role in controlling access to Egypt during this period.

Significance of this finding

Peter Brand, professor of history at the University of Memphis, stressed the importance of this discovery for understanding the military strategy of Ramses II. The well-preserved military camp provides rare insights into the logistics of the Egyptian armed forces at the time.