A historic statue of King Ramses II, believed to be over 3,400 years old, has finally returned to Egypt after being stolen and smuggled out of the country more than three decades ago, Egyptian authorities announced.
The artefact features the striking head of King Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most formidable pharaohs. This particular piece is a fragment of a larger statue that originally showcased King Ramses II seated alongside various Egyptian deities, as revealed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Sunday.
The statue’s origins trace back to the Ramses II temple in the historic city of Abydos, where it was originally housed. Its disappearance was noted, but it resurfaced in 2013 when it was put up for sale at a London gallery. From there, the statue travelled through several countries before ending up in Switzerland.
Egyptian authorities, in collaboration with Swiss officials, successfully reclaimed the artefact. They substantiated Egypt’s rightful ownership of the statue, proving that it had been illicitly taken out of the country.
Upon its return, the statue will undergo meticulous restoration and maintenance at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.