The bronze sword has retained its shine after over 3,000 years (Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Egyptian archeologists revealed the discovery of a gleaming bronze sword on September 5, 2024. The weapon was marked with the insignia of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. Despite being buried for over 3,000 years, the sword has retained its reflective shine.

The sword was found inside a small room in one of the mud barracks surrounding Tell Al-Abqain, a 3,200-year-old military fort in northwest Egypt. The presence of the pharaoh's emblem on the weapon suggests it belonged to a prominent military official.

The ancient fort revealed many insights into the life of the soldiers that lived there (Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Peter Brand, a historian at the University of Memphis, believes the sword's discovery suggests the fort was well-defended. It possibly even had an on-site weapons production area. Brand theorizes that the sword was likely a royal gift to a high-ranking officer.

"The king's name and titles engraved on it served as a status symbol, increasing the owner's prestige and advertising the king's wealth, power, and generosity," he told Live Science.

The ancient fort also revealed a glimpse into the daily lives of its former occupants through various discoveries. The archeologists uncovered storerooms for grain storage and ovens for baking, indicating a self-sufficient community. The excavations also yielded remains of large clay pots containing bones of fish and other animals, suggesting a diverse diet.

Two clay tablets, one with Ramses' name, were also found (Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Other items, such as bead necklaces and an applicator for kohl eyeliner, provided rare insights into the soldiers' personal lives. Kohl, a dark, black powder, was used by ancient Egyptians to protect their eyes from the harsh desert Sun. Two limestone blocks were also found. One was engraved with the name of someone called "Bay," while the other mentioned Ramses.

Ramses II, often called Ramses the Great, was the second longest-reigning pharaoh in ancient Egypt. He ruled for 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, as the third king of the 19th Dynasty. Ramses II was known for his military prowess. Under his rule, Egypt's borders expanded significantly, stretching from modern-day Syria in the east to Sudan in the south. Nicknamed the "builder pharaoh," he also commissioned numerous temples and monuments during his reign.

Resources: Washingtonpost.com, cbsnews.com, Smithsonian.com