In 2017 , Giant 3,000-year-old statue of ancient Egyptian Ramses II found buried in a Cairo slum is hailed as ‘one of the most important discoveries ever

Researchers say it probably depicts revered king Ramses II, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago

The discovery, hailed by the Antiquities Ministry as one of the most important ever, was made near the ruins of Ramses II’s temple in the ancient city of Heliopolis, located in the eastern part of modern-day Cairo

Archaeologists in a Cairo suburb – once the site of the ancient capital of Heliopolis – found two 3000-year-old pharaonic statues.

The statues are thought to represent ancient Egyptians from the 19th dynasty.

One statue stands 26ft (8 metres) tall and is carved out of quartzite – a tough stone composed mainly of quartz.

It could not be identified from its engravings but it was found at the entrance to the temple of King Ramses II – also known as Ramses the Great – suggesting it represents him.

The other relic is a limestone statue of 12th century BC ruler King Seti II.

The discovery of the two statues shows the importance of the city of Heliopolis, which was dedicated to the worship of Ra.