Cairo’s Egyptian Museum completes restoration, relocation of Ramesses II basalt stele

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo has completed the restoration and relocation of a black basalt stele of Ramesses II, a pharaoh often associated with the biblical Exodus. The stele, dating from the New Kingdom (circa 1570-1069 BCE), measures 240 cm by 110 cm and had been on display for over a century. The restoration involved removing previous materials, treating joints, and placing it in a new free-standing display with panoramic lighting as part of the museum's updated plan. Museum director-general Dr. Ali Abdel Halim clarified that claims of cement being used were false, stating, “do not reflect its final condition.” Separately, archaeologists discovered a sandstone lintel inscribed with Ramesses II's titles and a reference to the “City of Mesn” at the Tell Abu Saifi site, providing significant evidence for identifying the ancient city.