Discovery Marks Major Archaeological Milestone
AMMAN — A hieroglyphic inscription featuring the royal cartouche of Pharaoh Ramses III (1186–1155 BC) has been uncovered in Jordan’s Wadi Rum Reserve, marking a groundbreaking archaeological find that sheds new light on ancient Egyptian influence in the region.
Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, revealed the discovery during a press conference attended by prominent Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. In a ministry statement, Annab described the inscription as the first of its kind in Jordan, offering rare physical proof of Pharaonic Egypt’s historical reach beyond its traditional borders.
"This extraordinary discovery enriches our knowledge of the ancient ties between Egypt, Jordan, and the Arabian Peninsula," Annab said. "It reinforces Jordan’s legacy not just as a crossroads of civilizations but as a vital part of their development."
Annab hailed the find as a significant addition to Jordan’s vast epigraphic record, referring to the country as an "open library" of cultural heritage. Further research is underway to fully interpret the inscription’s context, with official findings to be released upon completion.
Dr. Hawass highlighted the inscription’s importance, noting that it bears both the birth and throne names of Ramses III, a powerful ruler of Egypt’s Twentieth Dynasty. Its presence in southern Jordan suggests broader geopolitical and trade connections than previously documented, prompting calls for expanded archaeological investigations.
"This discovery has the potential to reshape our understanding of Egypt’s relations with the southern Levant and Arabia more than three millennia ago," Hawass stated.
Located southeast of Wadi Rum near the Jordanian-Saudi border, the inscription was identified as part of a joint Jordanian-Saudi archaeological project tracing Ramses III’s military and trade expeditions in the region. Officials praised the cross-border collaboration as a testament to the value of regional partnerships in uncovering shared historical narratives.
The discovery has sparked excitement among scholars, who anticipate further revelations about ancient Egypt’s influence in the Near East as research continues.