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## The Colossus Returns: Ramesses II and the Epic Journey to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

 

### A Gateway to Antiquity

 

The opening of the **Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)**, situated near the Giza Pyramids, marks a pivotal moment in global archaeology. Yet, no single exhibit embodies this transition from past to future quite like the colossal statue of **Ramesses II**. This magnificent sculpture, a monument to a legendary pharaoh, now stands sentinel in the GEM’s Great Hall, ready to greet millions of visitors.

## The Colossus Returns: Ramesses II and the Epic Journey to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

## The Colossus Returns: Ramesses II and the Epic Journey to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

• The statue’s current status as the museum’s centerpiece is the culmination of a
•  nearly 200-year saga involving discovery, restoration, relocation, and intense
•  conservation efforts. Weighing an astonishing **83 tons** and standing
•  **11.35 meters** tall, the relocation of this fragile, 3,000-year-old
•  monument required unprecedented engineering and meticulous planning.

This article traces the historical and logistical odyssey of the **Statue of Ramesses II**, from the dusty archaeological site where it lay buried to its final, revered resting place inside the world’s largest archaeological museum.

### The Legendary Pharaoh: Ramesses the Great (19th Dynasty)

 

Ramesses II, often hailed as **Ramesses the Great**, remains one of the most powerful and prolific rulers of the New Kingdom. He belonged to the 19th Dynasty and reigned for 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BC. His reign was characterized by military prowess—most famously the Battle of Kadesh—and an unparalleled building program.

 

1. The numerous temples, monuments, and colossal statues he commissioned
2.  across Egypt served not only as architectural marvels but as vital records of
3.  his military campaigns and divine kingship.

 The statue now housed at the GEM is a prime example of his desire for monumental immortality, crafted with extraordinary skill by ancient Egyptian artists. Made from robust **pink granite** sourced from the quarries of Aswan in Southern Egypt, the statue has withstood millennia, awaiting its modern role as a cultural ambassador.

  

### Discovery in the Sands of Mit Rahina (1820)

 

The modern story of the colossus began in 1820 when the Italian explorer and archaeologist, **Giovanni Battista Caviglia**, discovered the statue buried deep beneath the sand. The finding occurred near the ruins of the Temple of Ptah in the village of Mit Rahina, located in Giza Governorate.

 

• When uncovered, the massive statue was not intact; it was found in **six
•  separate, fragmented pieces**. For more than 135 years, these pieces
•  remained near their original location, carefully preserved but awaiting a
•  future home where they could be displayed in their full, awe-inspiring height.

 

It wasn't until the mid-20th century that Egyptian authorities began a serious initiative to move the fragments, assemble them, and restore the missing sections, including parts of the majestic royal crown, allowing the pharaoh to stand tall once more.

  

### Cairo's Iconic Landmark: The Ramses Square Era (1955-2006)

 

In 1955, the restored and assembled **Ramesses II statue** underwent its first major relocation, transported from Mit Rahina to Cairo. The pharaoh was installed in the capital's central square, then known as Bab Al Hadid (Iron Gate). The square was subsequently renamed **Ramses Square** in honor of its new centerpiece, which stood prominently above a massive base and an adjacent fountain, instantly becoming one of Cairo’s most famous landmarks and a staple image on Egyptian postcards.

 

• However, over half a century in the bustling heart of Cairo took its toll.
•  Experts grew increasingly concerned about the long-term conservation of the
•  ancient granite. The statue’s surface and intricate hieroglyphic carvings
•  suffered damage from severe **urban pollution**

exhaust fumes, and atmospheric changes. Furthermore, the constant **ground vibrations** caused by the daily flow of rail traffic from the main train station and the nearby metro system threatened the statue's structural integrity.

 

By 2004, studies confirmed the urgency of moving the colossus to a safer, purpose-built environment. The preparation for its third and most dramatic journey began.

  

### The Monumental Move: Phase I (2006 Relocation)

 

Relocating an 83-ton granite statue is a monumental logistical challenge. The engineering firm, Arab Contractors, executed extensive preparatory work, including surveying the route and conducting a vital dress rehearsal in July 2006 using an identical 83-ton dummy structure.

 

1. The actual relocation took place on the night of August 25, 2006. To ensure its
2.  safety during the 30-kilometer move, the statue was encased in a protective
3.  structure—an iron jacket—and shielded with insulating rubber foam.

 The colossal figure was laid horizontally onto massive specialized trailers and slowly traversed the streets of Cairo in a grand, solemn procession that captivated millions across Egypt and the world, who watched the event unfold on television.

 

The statue successfully arrived at a temporary site near Ramyah Square, adjacent to the planned location of the new Grand Egyptian Museum. This site served as a conservation station, allowing for detailed checks and necessary protective treatments before the final move.

  

### Installation at the Grand Egyptian Museum (2018)

 

The ultimate chapter in the statue’s journey occurred on January 25, 2018. Following years of meticulous construction of the **GEM** and intensive restoration work on the statue, the final leg of the journey began. Conducted collaboratively by Arab Contractors and the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, the colossus was moved the final **400 meters** into the museum complex.

 

• Placed carefully onto a custom-built base, the statue of **Ramesses II** now
•  resides in the magnificent atrium of the GEM. He is deliberately positioned
•  to overlook the Giza Plateau, creating a powerful visual link between the
•  ancient world (the Pyramids) and the modern era of conservation (the
•  Museum).

 

Ramesses II now holds the distinguished honor of being the very first artifact that visitors encounter, welcoming them to the colossal cultural hub. His powerful presence symbolizes the majesty of ancient Egyptian civilization and underscores the dedication of modern Egypt to preserving its unparalleled heritage for future generations. The **Grand Egyptian Museum** now stands ready to fulfil its mission, with the Warrior King at its threshold.