The original occupant of an Egyptian sarcophagus was unknown. Then a tiny ornament revealed a very big name

A sarcophagus found in an Egyptian burial chamber has shed new light on its mysterious history. The stone container, discovered in 2009, had been used twice, with the second occupant known to be the 21st dynasty high priest Menkheperrê. An associate professor in Egyptology, Frédéric Payraudeau, reexamined a fragment of the sarcophagus and deciphered hieroglyphs that revealed the name Ramesses II. This finding confirms that the artifact originally belonged to the famous pharaoh and was later reused after looting. The discovery adds to our understanding of sarcophagi and the reign of Ramesses II.