Archaeologist James Balme purchased a seal inscribed with hieroglyphics for £12 (US$19) on a charity website.
When he received it, he discovered it was "solid carved stone and not cast." He believes it is the seal of Pharaoh Ramses II, and is having it analyzed by experts.
The mummy of Ramesses the Great in Cairo Museum, Egypt (Wikimedia Commons)
Ramesses II is considered one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt and is also one of its most well-known. The third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty ascended the throne during his late teens in 1279 B.C. following the death of his father, Seti I. He ruled Egypt for 66 years, outliving many of his sons– though he is believed to have fathered more than 100 children. As a result of his long and prosperous reign, Ramesses II was able to undertake numerous military campaigns against neighboring regions, as well as build monuments to the gods, and of course, to himself.
