Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a 3,200-year-old military barracks containing a variety of artifacts, including a bronze sword engraved with the name of the renowned pharaoh Ramesses II. The site, located in the northwest Nile Delta, sheds new light on Egypt’s military infrastructure during the reign of Ramesses II (1279 to 1213 B.C.), one of Egypt’s most powerful rulers.
The barracks housed storerooms for grain and ovens for baking, as well as pottery filled with animal bones, including those of cows and fish. Archaeologist Ahmed El Kharadly, who led the excavation, explained that the cows likely served as a food source, their bones found near ovens and silos, suggesting that the meat was dried and stored. Although cows in ancient Egypt often symbolized strength, abundance, and prosperity, in this case, their remains point to practical use for sustenance.
One of the most significant finds was a bronze sword inscribed with Ramesses II’s name. It was discovered in a small room near a potential infiltration point, indicating that the weapon was likely intended for combat rather than ceremonial purposes. Peter Brand, a history professor at the University of Memphis, remarked on the weapon’s significance, noting that the sword, with its royal inscription, would have elevated the prestige of its owner, likely a high-ranking military officer.
In addition to the sword, the team found two limestone blocks with inscriptions. One block bore hieroglyphics referencing Ramesses II, while the other mentioned an official named “Bay.” The site’s strategic location along a military road in the Nile Delta would have allowed Egyptian forces to defend against threats from the western desert or the Mediterranean Sea.
The discovery is critical for understanding Egypt’s military strategy under Ramesses II, as it provides insight into how the Egyptians prepared for external threats, particularly from groups like the Libyans, who were becoming a growing concern at the time. The well-preserved state of the site, compared to other military installations from the era, adds to its importance in understanding the logistics and defense mechanisms of ancient Egypt.
The excavation’s findings also suggest that the barracks may have been equipped to produce weapons on-site, given the presence of armaments like the bronze sword. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the daily operations and defensive strategies employed by Ramesses II’s military forces.
