Discovered outside Egypt: Ancient Inscription Linking to a Pharaoh

In a remarkable find, a rare Egyptian hieroglyphic inscription has been discovered in Wadi Rum, Jordan, causing international attention and excitement in the archaeological community. This significant discovery, part of a joint project between the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, could fundamentally change the perspective on Egypt's influence in the region during the Late Bronze Age.

The inscription, carved into a rock wall near the border with Saudi Arabia, is a cartouche containing the birth and throne names of Pharaoh Ramses III. Ruling during a time of massive upheaval, with the collapse of the great powers of the Hittites and Mycenaeans and attacks by the Sea Peoples, Ramses III's rule spanned from 1186 to 1155 BC.

The inscription is being interpreted as a possible symbol of a romantic connection between Ramses III and a woman from the region. This discovery, if confirmed, would provide significant evidence of Egypt's political and cultural connections to the Arabian Peninsula during the Late Bronze Age.

Dr. Zahi Hawass, a renowned Egyptian archaeologist, has hailed the find as a milestone, believing it could lead to a deeper understanding of Egypt's interactions with the southern Levant and the Arabian Peninsula over 3,000 years ago. The scientific evaluation of the inscription is still pending, and the authorities involved have announced they will publish the results after completion of the analysis.

The aim of the joint project is to systematically document the military and cultural activities of Ramses III outside Egypt. Olga Tufnell and David O’Connor are among the researchers involved in this project. Further excavations in the region could follow, with the aim of further completing the picture of a networked ancient world.

The find in the Jordanian desert suggests a far-reaching Egyptian presence, not through territorial occupation, but through trade routes, military presence, and cultural symbolism. The Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, has praised the find as a "groundbreaking discovery."

This discovery is a significant addition to the already extensive collection of historical documents in Jordan, underscoring Ramses III's rule over Upper and Lower Egypt and providing a fascinating glimpse into the political and cultural dynamics of the ancient world.