Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced Thursday the discovery of an ancient military barracks and weapons storage unit.
Archaeologists uncovered the ancient site in northwest Egypt, according to a statement from the ministry. Mudbrick structures throughout the complex were thought to hold everything from military personnel to food storage, weapons, everything needed for survival. The fort was named Tell Al-Abquain and is believed to have been a key base during the New Kingdom Era from 1550 to 1070 B.C.
Artifacts such as a large bronze sword suggest the fort was used roughly 3,00o-years-ago by Pharaoh Ramesses II. Limestone blocks at the site also detail the titles of Ramesses II, along with another official called “Bay.”
Scarabs with various inscriptions, such as “Amun — Lord of the Sky,” and another with the image of “Ptah,” another deity, were also uncovered. Other finds include half of a bronze ring and two necklaces shaped like pomegranate blossoms.
Ramesses II is one of ancient Egypt’s more notable rulers. He led his kingdom between 1279 to 1213 B.C., the third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty, according to World History. (RELATED: Trove Of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts Uncovered Across More Than 60 Burial Sites)
He apparently won a huge battle against the Hittites, using the win to cement his legacy as a great warrior. History suggests the fight, known as the Battle of Kadesh, was probably more of a draw because it technically ended the world’s first known peace treaty.