The sandstone monument shows Tiberius standing next to a family of local gods. Archaeologists say the scene illustrates the ruler’s role as a leader who upheld cosmic order in Egyptian society

This stone slab shows Tiberius standing next to the Egyptian gods Amun, Khonsu and Mut. © CFEETK / K. El-Dowi

Restoration work at Karnak , an ancient temple complex near Luxor, Egypt, has revealed a sandstone monument featuring an intriguing image of the Roman emperor Tiberius , who ruled between 14 and 37 C.E.

Measuring nearly two feet tall, the upright slab, known as a stela , shows Tiberius standing next to a trio of Egyptian gods : Amun, Khonsu and Mut .…