#limestone slabs

The Long-Lost Top Half of an Enormous Ramses II Statue Found

A German researcher found the lower section of the Egyptian pharaoh’s likeness nearly 100 years ago.

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered the upper half of a towering statue of Ramses II, cracking a century-long mystery. Found in the ancient city of Hermopolis (now Ashmunein), the 12.5-foot-tall limestone fragment lines up perfectly with the lower section of a sculpture discovered nearby in 1930.

The ancient statue depicts Ramses in a seated position, adorned with a crown and a headdress topped with a cobra, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The dual crown indicates Ramses’ simultaneous authority over the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt, while the cobra represents royalty, writes the National’s Kamal Tabikha.

The upper area of the back column of the statue is etched with hieroglyphs that list Ramses’ many titles, glorifying the king as “one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs,” says Bassem Jihad, head of the excavation team, in the statement, per a translation by Reuters.

Preliminary scans have confirmed that the carved limestone block is a continuation of the lower section of the statue, which was found in the same area in 1930 by German archaeologist Günther Roeder. With its halves combined, the statue would have loomed at a height of nearly 23 feet.

As the third pharaoh of Egypt’s 19th dynasty, Ramses ruled over a sprawling empire that stretched from modern-day Sudan to Syria. During his reign—which spanned 1279 to 1213 B.C.E., making it the second-longest of any Egyptian monarch—he ushered the kingdom into a golden age of power and wealth. Known as Ramses the Great, the pharaoh’s legacy was cemented by a slew of monuments and statues constructed in his name, both during and after his reign.

The joint Egyptian and American dig team originally began its exploration of the Ashmunein area with the goal of discovering a religious complex from Egypt’s New Kingdom era (1550 to 1070 B.C.E.). Though the researchers ultimately stumbled onto something entirely different, they remained pleased with their results.

“Though we have not found the complex we were initially looking for, a statue of such importance is a sign that we are digging in the right place,” Adel Okasha, an antiquities official who oversaw the dig, tells the National.

Next, the team will create a model envisioning what the statue looked like in antiquity, when it was fully intact.

“Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to have a whole other massive statue of the famed king, it also adds to our general understanding and fills gaps in our data on the large corpus of Ramses II’s statuary,” Salima Ikram, an Egyptologist at the American University in Cairo, tells the National. “Through each discovery, we have been able to trace changes in the style during the course of his very long reign.”

By Catherine Duncan.

Inspiration for a massive rustic backyard stone remodel with a unique pool fountain

Choosing the right tiles can transform the look and feel of your home. Among the many natural materials available today, tumbled limestone tiles stand out for their timeless beauty, natural texture, and versatile design appeal. Their slightly weathered edges and soft, earthy tones make them ideal for homeowners who want a balance between rustic charm and modern elegance. If you are planning to upgrade your interiors or outdoor spaces, understanding how to select the best limestone tiles is essential.

Understand the Unique Appeal of Tumbled Limestone

The first step in choosing the right tumbled limestone tiles is understanding what makes them special. These tiles are processed through a tumbling technique that softens sharp edges and creates a naturally aged surface. This process gives the tiles a classic, antique look that works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary homes.

Because limestone is a natural material, each tile has unique textures, fossils, and color variations. This natural diversity enhances the visual appeal of your flooring and ensures your design feels authentic and sophisticated.

Choose the Right Size and Finish

Tile size plays a significant role in the final appearance of a room. Larger tumbled limestone tiles create a spacious, seamless look in living rooms and open areas, while smaller formats work well in bathrooms, kitchens, or decorative sections.

You should also consider where the tiles will be installed. For example, lightly textured limestone surfaces provide better grip for flooring areas such as kitchens, hallways, and outdoor patios. Meanwhile, smoother options can complement elegant interior spaces.

Match Tiles with Natural Stone Wall Designs

To create a cohesive interior design, many homeowners combine tumbled limestone tiles with complementary natural stone wall tiles. This combination works especially well for feature walls, fireplace surrounds, and accent areas in living rooms or bathrooms.

Using natural stone wall tiles alongside limestone flooring adds depth and texture to your home’s interior design. The contrast between wall and floor surfaces can create a stunning architectural effect that instantly elevates the space.

Check Durability and Maintenance Needs

When investing in natural stone, durability is an important factor. High-quality tumbled limestone tiles are strong, long-lasting, and capable of withstanding daily wear. Proper sealing helps protect the stone from moisture and stains, making it easier to maintain over time.

Similarly, natural stone wall tiles are highly durable and require minimal upkeep when installed correctly. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing will keep the stone looking beautiful for years.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best tumbled limestone tiles for your home involves considering design style, tile size, durability, and compatibility with other materials. When paired with elegant natural stone wall tiles, limestone creates a sophisticated and natural atmosphere that enhances any living space. By choosing quality stone and thoughtful designs, you can create interiors that remain stylish, durable, and timeless for decades.

For more info.:Visit: stonecera.co.uk

Indian Limestone Paving 

If you're planning on a stylish, modern transformation in your kitchen, a slab of limestone could be what you need. Limestone has been a favorite material in interior design for centuries, thanks to its rustic appeal, functionality, and strength. But how will limestone transform your kitchen countertop? Find out, here are five ways this natural stone can affect your kitchen.

1. Introduces Timeless Elegance

The first thing you may observe about a limestone slab is its pure, natural beauty. Limestone's soft, earthy tones will instantly create a warm and inviting aesthetic, which will make the kitchen feel much more inviting. Each slab has different and unique textures and patterns, setting it apart from artificial materials and giving your countertops their own unique appearance.

2. Durable and Long-Lasting

Kitchens are considered high-traffic areas; therefore, the material you choose must be durable. Fortunately, a limestone slab is naturally durable, and it can withstand the constant wear and tear of everyday kitchen use. With proper care, limestone resists scratches and minor impacts, which helps maintain the appearance of your stone countertops for many years to come. This makes it a great investment for anyone looking to achieve a balance between practical and aesthetically pleasing design.

3. Flexible Design Options

A limestone slab is another thing that I really like, which is how flexible it is. If you like a modern, minimalist kitchen or a rustic, farmhouse look, limestone still works. You can mix limestone with wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and even bright colored backsplashes, allowing you to have fun with your kitchen.

4. Simple Maintenance

Although natural stones often get a bad wrap for maintenance, a limestone slab is very simple to maintain. You can clean it with simple mild soap and water, and periodically seal it, and it will look terrific. If that is not enough, its non-porous nature prevents stains and bacterial growth, making it highly suited for a food preparation area.

5. Enhances Home Value

Last but not least, a limestone slab will enhance your home’s overall value. High-quality natural stone countertops can appeal to buyers, adding character and longevity. You’ll not only have a beautiful space but also an investment for the future.

To wrap this up, a limestone slab does so much more than just look nice. It has luxury, durability, and adaptability that can completely change your kitchen countertop. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or building a new one, natural stone is a dependable and stunning addition to the heart of your home.

What are Limestone Slabs? Limestone slabs are natural stone pieces, typically quarried and cut into rectangular or various-sized shapes for paving walkways, pool decks, patios, driveways, and more. They are formed from sedimentary rock; these slabs are known for their earthy tones, such as beige, grey, and black, and classic appeal with versatility in both traditional and contemporary designs. 

Benefits of Choosing Limestone Slabs: 

Super Durability: The natural durability of limestone paving means that you can have a lovely surface that stands up well to wear. Here at Bridge Street Stone, our limestone is mostly dolomitic, which is mostly magnesium calcium carbonate. This characteristic gives limestone higher strength because dolomite is more chemically stable and, thus, less subject to wear. Slip-Resistant: Limestone paving has a slip-resistant surface, making it a good option for the often unpredictable weather conditions in Britain, especially if you're out in the garden frequently. The riven surface gives you good grip, even on a long rainy day, or a quick shower during summer, or even if you're simply nipping through the garden to take the bins out when wet.

Minimal Maintenance: Limestone paving is incredibly low maintenance. Where other materials might absorb dirt or stain easily, or wear out over time, limestone is both durable and easy to maintain. When dirt starts to build up, a simple clean with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush will have your pavers looking lovely. Versatile Range of Shades and Finishes: Limestone paving is available in a huge variety of stunning colours, meaning you will find a suitable color to complement your design schemes, whatever they may be! If you want the strong, deep shades, perhaps the subtle, sophisticated on the other hand, or the depth of the variations, you will find a colour to please every one of your tastes and aesthetics.  

Looking for a durable, stylish, and timeless material for your next project? Limestone slabs offer a stunning natural aesthetic that suits both indoor and outdoor applications. From elegant flooring to striking feature walls, limestone brings warmth and sophistication to any design.

Limestone is a versatile stone known for its unique color variations and natural textures. Its warm tones—ranging from soft beige to rich honey—add a cozy, earthy feel to any space. Whether you’re working on a modern patio, a rustic kitchen countertop, or an outdoor garden path, limestone slabs provide a durable and beautiful option for any style.

Not only are limestone slabs aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also incredibly durable. They are resistant to wear, moisture, and heat, making them perfect for high-traffic areas and exterior spaces exposed to the elements. Their natural resilience ensures that your investment will last for years, maintaining its beauty over time.

Available in various sizes, finishes, and thicknesses, limestone slabs can be customized to meet your project’s specific requirements. Whether you're looking for a polished finish for a sleek modern look or a more textured option for a rustic feel, these slabs offer endless design possibilities.