Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt reviews advancements in Ramesseum Pylon, Thutmose II Tomb restoration in Luxor
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s antiquities authority, conducted an inspection tour in Luxor to review the latest developments in two significant archaeological projects: the restoration of the First Pylon of the Ramesseum Temple and the recently discovered tomb of King Thutmose II. The visit is part of ongoing efforts to monitor archaeological projects across Egypt’s museums and sites.
The Ramesseum restoration project, undertaken by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Antiquities Preservation and Registration Sector in collaboration with South Korea’s National University of Cultural Heritage and funded by the Korea Heritage Agency, focuses on reconstructing the First Pylon, heavily damaged by a devastating earthquake in 27 BCE.
Dr. Khaled inspected the ongoing excavations aimed at uncovering stone blocks from the pylon, as well as the areas designated for the transfer, storage, and restoration of these massive blocks. Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, head of the Antiquities Preservation and Registration Sector and the Egyptian mission, provided a detailed overview of the project’s progress since its inception in the second half of 2023.
Dr. Khaled praised the work accomplished, stressing the importance of scientifically documenting each stone block to facilitate the reconstruction of the First Pylon, restoring its original form as the temple’s main entrance, as it was during the reign of King Ramesses II.
The current northern gate used by visitors will be replaced by the restored pylon. He emphasized that the project aligns with the Ministry of Antiquities’ efforts to preserve Egypt’s cultural heritage, enhance visitor services, and boost cultural tourism.
Dr. El-Leithy noted that the project, approved by the Permanent Committee for Egyptian Antiquities, has completed its first and second phases, including necessary studies and 3D digital documentation of the pylon’s blocks and surrounding areas using advanced scanning technology. A dedicated site within the temple is currently being prepared for the restoration of the stone blocks, which are being placed on platforms.
The Egyptian-Korean team has uncovered numerous blocks buried under sand and debris since the earthquake, providing new evidence for restoration efforts and contributing to academic advancements in Egyptology and the study of Ramesses II’s architecture.
The Ramesseum, a historical record of Ramesses II’s reign, offers insights into ancient Egyptian life, beliefs, and architectural prowess. Its walls feature reliefs depicting the king’s victory at the Battle of Kadesh, alongside religious and funerary rituals.
The temple is renowned for its majestic columns and colossal statues, including a seated statue of Ramesses II, over 17 meters tall and weighing approximately 1,000 tons. Surrounding the temple are chapels dedicated to various deities, as well as bakeries, kitchens, and storage facilities.
The inspection tour extended to the Western Valleys, where the tomb of King Thutmose II, discovered in February 2025 by an Egyptian-British mission, was examined.
The tomb, the last missing burial site of the 18th Dynasty kings, revealed a foundation deposit near the entrance, including three pottery and alabaster vessels and a young cow skeleton. An alabaster vessel bears hieroglyphic inscriptions indicating that Queen Hatshepsut commissioned the tomb for her brother and husband, Thutmose II. The mission continues excavations, documentation, and studies to uncover additional tombs in the area.
Dr. Khaled emphasized the need to complete the tomb’s restoration and continue excavations around it to reveal more secrets of the region.