Ramses the Great's Wadi Hammamat Expedition

In 1200 BCE, Pharaoh Ramses II launched a massive quarrying expedition into the Eastern Desert of Egypt, targeting the graywacke stone of Wadi Hammamat. This episode follows the logistics of that journey: over 8,000 men, including soldiers, scribes, and stonecutters, marching through a barren landscape with donkeys carrying water. We explore the stela left behind by Ramses's overseer, which records the success of the mission and the discovery of a well. Join Lucas and Luna as they discuss the practical realities of Egyptian stone procurement, the role of the Medjay as desert scouts, and how the extracted stone became statues and temple blocks across Kemet. This episode also touches on the spiritual significance of Wadi Hammamat as a sacred site to the god Min and the risks of sandstorms and scorpions. A vivid look at the industrial might behind the monuments. #RamsesII #WadiHammamat #EasternDesert #AncientEgypt #Egyptology #Quarrying #Graywacke #Medjay #Min #Stela #Expedition #Logistics #Kemet #NewKingdom #NineteenthDynasty #StoneProcurement #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo