New archaeological discoveries at the renowned Ramesseum Temple in Luxor, Egypt, have unveiled a remarkable new understanding of this ancient religious center, including the unprecedented finding of a mysterious school.
A recent investigative mission to the Ramesseum Temple, the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses II, has reported “exceptional” discoveries. These include the architectural blueprint of an ancient educational institution known as the “House of Life.”
Furthermore, the team unearthed a collection of tombs dating back to the Third Intermediate Period, storage facilities that once held olive oil, honey, and fats, and evidence of various industries and activities. These include workshops for weaving and stonework, as well as ancient kitchens and bakeries.
Recent explorations of the site indicate that the temple played a significantly more integrated and extensive role in the economy and administration of the time than Egyptologists had previously recognized.
Beyond its function as a place of worship where rituals honored Ramses II, the temple also served as a vibrant hub for civic officials who conducted business that directly benefited the local community.
A whole new picture of Ramesseum Temple
A collaborative Egyptian-French archaeological project, involving the Conservation and Registration Sector of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the French National Research Centre, is currently underway at the Ramesseum Temple, also known as “The Temple of Millions of Years,” situated on Luxor’s west bank.
Located within the Theban Necropolis in Upper Egypt, the Ramesseum, most notably recognized for its imposing 57-foot seated statue of Ramses II, stands as the second-largest temple in Ancient Egypt.
Within the temple precinct, archaeologists have uncovered the first tangible evidence of a school, the existence of which was previously theorized but never confirmed. This discovery includes the architectural layout of the teaching facility. According to a press release, researchers also recovered drawings and ancient school games.
Outside the main temple structure, a flourishing network of workspaces and tombs filled with artifacts has been brought to light.
Administrative offices were situated on the eastern side of the temple complex, while warehouses for perishable goods were located to the north. The team also rediscovered the tomb of “Sahtep-Ib-Re” in the northwest, initially documented by archaeologist Quibell in 1896. The press release notes that its walls are adorned with painted scenes depicting the tomb owner’s funeral.
Finally, in the northeast section, a significant number of tombs with burial chambers and shafts were excavated, yielding an impressive array of artifacts and human remains. Among the remarkable relics found were scattered bones, canopic jars, funerary tools, interlocking coffins, and 401 ushabti figurines crafted from pottery.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that these findings have illuminated the temple’s long and intricate history and have opened new avenues for understanding its crucial role in ancient Egypt.
A new story in progress
Dr. Mohamed Ismail further explained that the recent mission in Luxor, Egypt, has revealed that a hierarchical system of civil servants once occupied the temple halls. It functioned as a central point where stored and manufactured goods were processed and redistributed, providing support to local inhabitants. This included the presence of Deir el-Medina craftsmen authorized by the royal authority within this province.
The most recent scientific analysis of the site further confirmed that the temple was occupied before Ramses II decided to build his temple here. It was then reused, first as a priestly cemetery after its looting and finally by quarry workers.
A press release concluded with a statement from Dr. Hesham El-Leithy, head of the Conservation and Registration Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the head of the Egyptian mission. He explained that the mission is continuing its excavation efforts to uncover further evidence in the coming period and will also continue its restoration work in Egypt.