The bust of King Merneptah, who ruled Egypt from 1213–1203 BC, represents the thirteenth son and successor of the great pharaoh Ramesses II.

Merneptah ascended the throne at an advanced age, following his father’s exceptionally long reign, and is best remembered for the famous “Merneptah Stele,” which contains the earliest known reference to Israel.

This particular bust once belonged to his mortuary temple at Thebes, reflecting the traditional royal imagery that emphasized strength and divine authority.

Carved with refined craftsmanship, it captures the dignified features of the king, linking him to the grandeur of his lineage. Today, the piece is preserved in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, serving as an enduring testament to Merneptah’s role in Egypt’s New Kingdom history.