New discoveries in Egypt reveal history of Ramesseum Temple

IANS April 5, 2025 161 views

A groundbreaking archaeological mission has unveiled extraordinary insights into the Ramesseum Temple's complex social structure in ancient Egypt. The excavation revealed not just a place of worship, but a sophisticated administrative and educational center during Ramses II's era. Discoveries include the first documented "House of Life" school within the temple complex, along with tombs and storage facilities. These findings dramatically expand our understanding of organizational life in one of Egypt's most significant historical sites.

"These discoveries indicate a complete hierarchical system of civil servants" - Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Supreme Council of Antiquities
Los Angeles, April 5: A joint Egyptian-French archaeological mission uncovered tombs and buildings that reveal more history about the Ramesseum Temple in the southern city of Luxor, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement.

Key Points

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Joint Egyptian-French mission reveals unprecedented details about Ramesseum Temple complex

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First archaeological evidence of educational institution discovered in temple site

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Excavations show temple's role beyond worship as administrative center

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Tombs and storage areas date back to Third Intermediate Period

The mission uncovered a group of tombs dating back to the Third Intermediate Period (about 1069-525 BCE) and storage areas for olive oil and honey in the vicinity of the temple.

Excavations inside the temple revealed the "House of Life" (a scientific school attached to the major temples), including the architectural layout of the educational institution and a rich archaeological collection that included the remains of school drawings and toys. It is the first evidence of the existence of a school within the Ramesseum Temple.

The team also found a group of buildings that were likely used as administrative offices on the eastern side of the temple, reports Xinhua news agency.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, on Friday, said that the discoveries indicate a complete hierarchical system of civil servants within this temple, as it was not only a place of worship, but also a centre for the redistribution of stored or manufactured products, which benefited the inhabitants of the area, including the artisans of the city monastery, who were subject to royal authority within the system of provinces.

Sherif Fathy, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, commended the mission's efforts in uncovering new secrets about the history of the Ramesseum temple and its religious and societal role in Ancient Egypt.

Ramses II, whose reign (1279-1213 BCE) was the second longest in Egyptian history, built the Ramesseum Temple during his reign. In 27 BCE, an earthquake hit and damaged the temple.

Reader Comments

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Jamal K.
Absolutely fascinating! The discovery of the "House of Life" with school drawings and toys gives us such a human connection to ancient Egypt. Makes you wonder what their daily lessons were like! 🏛️
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Sophie L.
I visited Luxor last year and was amazed by the Ramesseum. These new discoveries make me want to go back! The storage areas for olive oil and honey show how advanced their food preservation was.
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Marcus T.
While these discoveries are exciting, I wish the article provided more details about the excavation methods. How do they preserve such delicate finds like the school drawings?
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Aisha B.
Ramses II was truly an incredible ruler. To think this temple survived for over 3000 years (until the earthquake) is mind-blowing. The administrative buildings discovery shows how complex their society was!
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Thomas R.
The part about it being a redistribution center is particularly interesting. Shows how temples weren't just religious sites but economic hubs too. Ancient Egypt continues to surprise us!
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Lena P.
I love how archaeology keeps rewriting history books. Who knew there was a whole school there? Makes me wonder what other secrets are still buried in the sand... ✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Ramesseum Temple Ramses II Egyptian Archaeology Luxor Excavations Ancient Egyptian Education Archaeological Discovery
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