A joint Egyptian-French archaeological mission has uncovered remarkable discoveries at the Ramesseum, the grand mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II, located on the West Bank of Luxor in the Theban Necropolis. The most significant of these finds is the evidence that the temple once housed a “House of Life”—a special type of school where the children of Egypt’s aristocracy were trained to become government officials, scribes, and administrators.
Constructed during the long reign of Ramesses II (1279–1213 BC), often called Ramesses the Great, the Ramesseum was not just a funerary monument; it was also a center of religious, educational, administrative, and economic life in ancient Egypt. According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, these findings provide a new perspective on how the ancient Egyptians lived, worked, and organized their society.
The Discovery of the House of Life
The most fascinating discovery from this mission is the identification of a House of Life within the Ramesseum complex, an educational institution that was long theorized by Egyptologists but never confirmed in this particular temple. The House of Life was traditionally a temple school, specifically for the children of Egyptian elites, where they were trained to take on administrative or scribal roles in the complex Egyptian government system.
The excavation team uncovered numerous student sketches, fragments of educational toys, and remnants of ancient learning tools. These artifacts suggest that education at the House of Life was structured and vibrant, providing evidence that the ancient Egyptians placed significant value on training future government officials and scribes, essential roles in the highly organized society of ancient Egypt.
Discovering the Complex’s Layout
Archaeologists also uncovered the architectural layout of the House of Life, offering scholars their first clear understanding of what such an institution would have looked like in an ancient temple setting. This is a critical discovery because it gives us the first confirmed blueprint of a House of Life, making it a key contribution to the understanding of ancient Egyptian educational systems.
Beyond the House of Life, additional discoveries around the Ramesseum site suggest that the temple complex served multiple purposes. Administrative buildings were found on the eastern side of the temple, indicating that the Ramesseum was not just a religious site, but also a hub for managing temple affairs and overseeing the surrounding community. Furthermore, archaeologists found cellars used for storing olive oil, honey, and animal fat, as well as a set of wine cellars, which points to the temple’s role in regional product redistribution.
A Vibrant History Across Time
As excavations continued, the team also uncovered tombs dating back to the Third Intermediate Period (1069–525 BC), shedding light on how the Ramesseum site was later repurposed as a necropolis. Among the tombs, researchers found burial shafts, well-preserved canopic jars, and nested coffins, items used for the afterlife. The findings from these tombs add a layer of understanding to how the site transitioned from a royal institution to a sacred burial ground.
Additionally, the re-exposure of the Middle Kingdom tomb of “Sahtab Ayb Ra”, discovered in 1896, provided valuable insight into burial customs during that period. The tomb’s wall scenes depicting the funeral procession offer a glimpse into Middle Kingdom rituals and funerary practices, giving archaeologists further context for understanding the evolution of burial traditions in the region.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
In terms of preservation, substantial progress has been made in restoring sections of the Ramesseum. For instance, the southern portion of the Hall of Columns leading to the Holy of Holies has been fully restored. Statues and artifacts, including a statue of Queen Toya (the mother of Ramesses II), have been carefully repositioned. In addition, the restoration of Ramesses II’s statue—including its legs and pedestal—has helped bring the monument closer to its original grandeur.
Dr. Christien LeBlanc, head of the French delegation, mentioned that significant efforts were made to restore the royal palace adjacent to the first courtyard. Although only column bases remained from earlier excavations, the team successfully reconstructed the palace layout, identifying mudbrick walls and spaces like the reception hall and throne room where Ramesses II likely received visitors.
