Memphis - Colossal Figure of Ramesses II

A little way southeast of the village of Mit Rahina, within a modern building erected to protect it, lies a colossal figure of Ramesses II which once stood outside the entrance to the temple. It was discovered by Caviglia and Sloane in 1820. Carved from hard fine-grained limestone, it was probably more than 43ft/13m long when complete a figure which is in broad agreement with Herodotus's statement that it measured 30 cubits (52ft/16m). The ear alone measures fully 20in/50cm. The King's handsome face and mild expression are excellently rendered; on the chin is a stylized beard. In the King's belt is a dagger decorated with two falcons' heads. His name is inscribed on the right shoulder, the breast and the belt. On a piece of stone between