Historical Capitals of the World

Qantir (Ruins)

Country: Egypt

Region: Africa

Period: 13th c.BCE

Location: 30.798889°N, 31.835833°E

Description

Pi-Ramesses, located in modern-day Qantir, Egypt, was the capital of the Egyptian Empire during the 19th Dynasty under Pharaoh Ramesses II (c. 1279–1213 BCE). This grand city was strategically situated near the Nile Delta, with extensive building projects, grand temples, and palaces. It was a bustling urban center, famed for its monumental architecture, including the Great Temple of Amun and the royal residence, reflecting the power of the New Kingdom.

Modern Remains

Today, the site of Pi-Ramesses is mostly submerged under the modern landscape, but ongoing excavations at Qantir have uncovered significant remains. These include the remnants of temples, palaces, statues, and inscriptions. Notably, scholars have identified the remains of a massive royal statue and various architectural fragments, shedding light on the city's once-impressive scale. The site remains a key archaeological location for understanding the grandeur of New Kingdom Egypt.

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