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 the legs is incised the figure of Bent-Anat, his wife.

Another colossal statue of Ramesses, which also stood at the entrance to the temple and was found in 1888, now stands in Ramesses Square in front of Cairo's main railroad station. In the building containing the prostrate statue and behind it are various fragments of statues found on the site.