A royal pharaonic carving has just redrawn the map of ancient influence—and it’s not where you’d expect.
For the first time ever, an Egyptian hieroglyphic inscription bearing the cartouche of Pharaoh Ramses III has been uncovered in Jordan. The site, southeast of the iconic Wadi Rum desert, now marks a surprising archaeological milestone, offering solid proof of long-suspected ties between ancient Egypt and the lands east of the Sinai.
A Desert Discovery That Changes the Story
Nobody expected to find a pharaonic name etched into the rocks of southern Jordan.
Yet that’s exactly what archaeologists revealed this weekend, as Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab and renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass jointly announced the groundbreaking discovery.
It’s not just any carving either. This is a cartouche—a royal seal—belonging to Ramses III, one of ancient Egypt’s last great warrior kings who ruled from 1186 to 1155 BC.
And here’s the kicker: it’s the first time an Ancient Egyptian inscription has ever been found on Jordanian soil.
The Man Behind the Seal: Ramses III
Ramses III wasn’t a minor pharaoh lost in the shuffle of dynasties. His reign marked the final peak of Egypt’s imperial power.
Known for halting the invasions of the Sea Peoples and restoring order after chaos, Ramses III was a ruler who left his mark across Egypt’s borders. Apparently, even in Jordan.
Zahi Hawass, never short on passion for pharaonic history, shared that the discovery includes two cartouches:
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One with Ramses III’s birth name
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Another with his throne name, declaring him ruler of both Upper and Lower Egypt
These inscriptions weren’t casual graffiti. They signaled formal claims of power and influence.
Wadi Rum’s New Secret
Wadi Rum already looks like something out of a history book—red sands, towering cliffs, a Martian landscape.
The location of the find, in a southeastern area near Wadi Rum Nature Reserve, is striking. This region connects to ancient caravan routes—pathways where traders, messengers, and maybe even soldiers once moved between Egypt, Jordan, and the broader Arabian Peninsula.
Could this spot have been a station for Egyptian expeditions or military patrols? Or a symbolic stake in trade routes?
Echoes of Empire: Why This Matters
Minister Lina Annab didn’t hold back on the importance of the moment.
She called the find “material evidence of the historical ties between ancient Egypt, Jordan, and the Arabian Peninsula.” And she’s not wrong. For decades, scholars speculated that Egyptian influence stretched far beyond today’s political borders. Now, there’s proof—literally carved in stone.
Here’s why it matters:
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First-ever pharaonic inscription in Jordan
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Concrete evidence of cross-regional contact
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Possible links to ancient trade or military strategy
In the broader regional context, it adds a brand-new puzzle piece to understanding how ancient civilizations interacted across deserts, borders, and empires.
Science and Symbolism in One Stone
The cartouches were more than names. In ancient Egyptian culture, they were sacred ovals used to enclose the name of royalty, often paired with divine or state titles. The fact that both birth and throne names were found? That’s no accident.
It means this wasn’t a casual mention of Ramses III—it was a formal declaration of presence or authority.
Annab also noted the symbolic power of having Zahi Hawass involved in the announcement. Few names carry as much weight in Egyptology. His presence sent a message: this is big, not just for Jordan, but for Egypt too.
One-sentence pause: This find bridges cultures—both ancient and modern.
Not Just a Rock, But a Timeline Marker
To put this in perspective, here’s a quick snapshot of who and what was happening when Ramses III ruled:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| ~1186 BC | Ramses III ascends to the throne of Egypt |
| ~1175 BC | Defeats Sea Peoples in a major naval battle |
| ~1160 BC | Oversees massive building projects, including temples at Medinet Habu |
| Present day | His name resurfaces on a stone in Jordan’s southern desert |
This timeline helps anchor just how far-reaching Ramses III’s reign may have been—both geographically and historically.
A Nudge for Future Generations
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Department of Antiquities are doubling down. Annab pledged to keep spotlighting Jordan’s deep, layered heritage—not just for scholars, but for the public and future generations too.
“We must continue uncovering our past,” she said, “to understand our present and inspire the future.”
Hawass echoed that sentiment. He praised Jordan for its commitment to archaeological discovery and international cooperation, hinting at even more collaborative digs in the pipeline.
What’s Next?
Now that the seal’s been broken, figuratively and literally, archaeologists are hoping for more.
More signs of Egyptian influence. More links between Jordanian highlands and Egyptian kings. More stories waiting to be chiseled out of rock, sand, and time. Until then, the cartouches of Ramses III stand alone. But maybe not for long.
