Egyptian archaeologists have made a significant discovery earlier this month, unearthing a sword bearing the seal of the ancient Pharaoh Ramses II. The bronze sword, inscribed with the name of the Egyptian king, was buried for over 3,000 years at an ancient military fort known as Tell Al-Abqain, located in the Hosh Issa area of the western Nile Delta, south of Alexandria. This finding underscores the historical and archaeological importance of the Abqain fortress, which served as a key military outpost for the ancient Egyptian army to protect its northwestern borders.
Known as "Ramses the Great," the pharaoh ruled Egypt from 1279 BC to 1213 BC and is recognized for extending Egypt's reach into present-day Syria (to the east) and Sudan (to the south). His influence and wealth spread throughout Egypt, as evidenced by recent archaeological findings detailing his long-lost empire.
In 2017, archaeologists discovered a temple dedicated to the pharaoh in the Badrashin area of Giza. Last year, they found 2,000 ram skulls at Ramses II's temple, indicating the enduring impact of his reign.
Part of a statue of the great king—its head and chest—was also discovered at the Kom Ombo temple during a project to protect the site from groundwater. The Al-Abqain site, where the sword was found, also housed soldiers and included storage for weapons, food, and supplies, according to Dr. Ahmed Saeed El-Kharadly, who led the excavation team. Large remnants of ceramic vessels containing fish and animal bones, along with cooking pots and personal items such as ivory, agate vases, and red and blue beads, were also uncovered.
In addition to the sword, several other artifacts provide insights into the daily life, religious beliefs, and military activities of the fortress's inhabitants. These include weapons used in battle, hunting tools, personal adornments, and hygiene items, as well as protective amulets.
The military fort was utilized to safeguard Egypt's northwestern borders from attacks by Libyan tribes and Sea Peoples, as stated by the Egyptian government. Archaeologists also discovered a cow buried in the barracks, an ancient Egyptian symbol of strength, abundance, and prosperity—possibly placed there for symbolic or ritualistic purposes.
This sword is crucial for understanding the military and defensive strategies of the ancient Egyptians, demonstrating the organization and preparation required to protect borders and maintain local security. Furthermore, this discovery provides new insights into the daily lives of ancient Egyptian soldiers and the organization of military operations, as well as information on the evolution of architecture and construction techniques in ancient Egypt.