Archaeologists have discovered a rare Ancient Egyptian inscription in Jordan in a major “first-of-its-kind” breakthrough.
Featuring the royal seal of Ramses III in southern Jordan’s Wadi Rum Reserve, the finding was first announced by the country’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab on April 19.
The inscription, which dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Ramses III between 1186 and 1155 B.C., was discovered south east of the Wadi Rum Reserve near the Jordanian-Saudi border.
It features two royal cartouches exhibiting the name of King Ramses III – one indicating his birth name and the other his throne name.
The inscription features two royal cartouches exhibiting the name of King Ramses III – one indicating his birth name and the other his throne name
Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
These cartouches represent his reign over Upper and Lower Egypt, carved into a rock face in the desert region as Annab how the discovery has finally provided material evidence of historic relations between Pharaonic Egypt, Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula.
“This discovery is a qualitative addition to the inscriptions found in Jordan,” she said, describing the kingdom as an “open library” with a rich heritage.
Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass explained the crucial nature of the discovery, calling for organised excavations at the site to potentially uncover more similarly significant artefacts.
He hopes that fresh discoveries could “further elucidate historical relations between Jordan and Egypt spanning over 3,000 years”.
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The documentation of the inscription was undertaken by a group of Jordanian archaeologists, including Professor Ahmed Lash and Dr Ali Manaseer, making up part of a collaborative effort with the Saudi Heritage Commission.
The joint project aims to trace archaeological evidence linked to Ramses III’s campaigns in the southern Levant and Arabian Peninsula.
Ramses III ruled during a turbulent period in the Eastern Mediterranean, enduring persistent attacks as neighbouring kingdoms collapsed around him.
Now, the Wadi Rum inscription has offered brand new insights into Egypt’s influence far beyond its traditional borders.
Ramses III ruled during a turbulent period in the Eastern Mediterranean, battling never ending attacks as neighbouring kingdoms collapsed
GETTY
While Jordan was never part of the Egyptian Empire, it was located along significant trade routes connecting Egypt with the Levant and Arabia.
Full analysis of the inscription is currently underway to provide a comprehensive description of the archaeological find.
The Ministry confirmed that it would present its official findings once a formal investigation is fully carried out – with the potential to carry out further excavations.
