Archaeology breakthrough as powerful pharaoh's name found in unusual location

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Jordan, where an inscription bearing the name of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses III was uncovered. The etching was found in the Wadi Rum Reserve in the south of the country - in the region - and sheds light on the historical ties with during the 12th century BC. The reign of the Pharaoh spanned from approximately 1184 to 1153 BC and was rife with regional political upheaval and foreign invasions.

His cartouche - an oval symbol bearing an inscription - was discovered etched into a mountainside. It is believed to have been inscribed during his military campaigns across the Arabian Peninsula. These campaigns aimed to secure vital trade routes essential resources such as copper, frankincense, and spices.

Ali Manaser, an archaeologist at Hashemite University, explained: "The cartouche supports the historical notion that Ramses III extended Egypt's influence beyond its borders."

Ramesses III is considered the - ancient Egypt between the 16th century BC and the 11th century BC - to have wielded significant power.

The instability of his rule saw a decline in Egyptian political and economic power, as well as the culture. This was also a time when many other empires were falling during the Late Bronze Age.

However, he was known for his strong military strategies and was able to defeat invaders known as the Sea Peoples, who had caused destruction in other civilisations and empires.

Ramesses III was assassinated in the Harem conspiracy - a coup attempt led by one of his wives, Tiye, and her eldest son Pentawere, who she wanted to take the throne.

Tiye enlisted a group of officials throughout the administration, as well as servants, to help deliver messages, urging people to rise .

It was once thought that Ramesses III survived the attack and died later, as his mummy showed no outward signs of injuries, so it was presumed that he died by natural causes.

However, later scientific research using CT scans revealed that his throat was cut to the bone, which would have quickly killed him.