Statue of King Ramesses II & Goddess

This statue brings to life the protective might and political power of Egypt’s 19th Dynasty. King Ramesses II, known as one of the most powerful and celebrated pharaohs in Egyptian history, is depicted here standing in front of the goddess—whose name has unfortunately been lost to history, but whose protective role is unmistakable. Ramesses II’s reign was marked by extensive building projects, military campaigns, and efforts to maintain Egypt’s stability and power across the ancient world. Interestingly, the goddess’s identity and the symbolism of this statue highlight the deep intertwining of religion and royal authority in ancient Egypt. Goddesses like Anat, known for her martial role and connection to warfare and protection, were venerated across Egypt and neighboring regions, including Syria. Statues like this served not only as religious icons but also as political statements, reinforcing the pharaoh’s divine legitimacy and the goddess’s protective blessings over his reign. A fascinating aspect of this piece is its history of recovery. The statue was discovered in the ruins of the temple of Amun at Tanis (modern-day San el-Hagar) and was reunited with its head in 1927 after being looted and traded by antiquities dealers. This restoration reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the rich stories each artifact carries from the ancient world to today.