In 2018, a group of construction workers in a Cairo slum made a startling discovery: a magnificent 3,000-year-old statue of a pharaoh. The statue, which is made of limestone and is over 6 feet tall, depicts the pharaoh Amenhotep
II, who ruled Egypt from 1427 to 1401 BC.
The statue was found in a poorly-built house in the informal settlement of Ezbet el-Nakhl. The workers were digging a foundation for a new building when they came across the statue’s head. They immediately stopped work and notified the authorities.
The statue was carefully excavated and transported to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where it is now on display. The statue is in remarkably good condition, and it is a stunning example of Egyptian art. The pharaoh is depicted wearing a nemes headdress and a kilt, and he is holding a crook and flail. The statue is also inscribed with the pharaoh’s name and titles.
The discovery of the statue is a significant event in Egyptian archaeology. It is the first major pharaonic statue to be found in Cairo in over a century. The statue provides new insights into the reign of Amenhotep II, and it is a reminder of the rich history of Egypt.
The statue’s discovery has also sparked a debate about the future of the informal settlements in Cairo. Some people argue that the settlements should be demolished to make way for new development. Others argue that the settlements should be preserved, as they are home to a significant amount of Egyptian history.
The future of the statue and the informal settlements in Cairo is uncertain. However, the discovery of the statue has once again put the spotlight on the rich history of Egypt and the challenges facing its people.
