Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful and celebrated pharaohs. He ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE, making his reign one of the longest in Egyptian history.

Early Life and Ascension

Ramses II was born around 1303 BCE. His father, Seti I, was the pharaoh before him, and his mother was Queen Tuya. Ramses II was groomed for leadership from a young age, accompanying his father on military campaigns and learning the art of governance1.

Military Campaigns

Ramses II is famous for his military prowess. One of his most notable battles was the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, which took place in 1274 BCE. Although the battle ended in a stalemate, it led to the first known peace treaty in history3. Ramses II also led campaigns into Nubia and the Levant, expanding Egypt’s influence and securing its borders.

Building Projects

Ramses II was a prolific builder. He commissioned numerous monuments, temples, and statues, many of which still stand today. Some of his most famous projects include the temples at Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum (his mortuary temple), and additions to the Karnak Temple complex3. He also established a new capital city called Pi-Ramesses in the Nile Delta.

Personal Life

Ramses II had a large family, with numerous wives and over 100 children. His most famous wife was Queen Nefertari, who was highly regarded and had a magnificent tomb built in her honor2.

Legacy

Ramses II’s reign is often considered the height of ancient Egypt’s power and glory. He was known for his diplomatic skills, military achievements, and grand building projects. His mummy was discovered in 1881 and is now on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo2.

Ramses II’s legacy as one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs endures to this day, and he is often remembered as a symbol of ancient Egyptian grandeur and strength.

Religious Beliefs and Deification

Ramses II was not just a ruler but also considered a divine figure. He was often depicted in art and temple reliefs alongside the gods, and he built numerous temples dedicated to them. Among the most significant were the temples of Abu Simbel, where colossal statues of Ramses were carved into the rock face, portraying him as equal to the gods.

Major Construction Projects

Apart from the famous Abu Simbel temples, Ramses II commissioned other grand projects, including:

• The Ramesseum: This is his mortuary temple, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor. It contained a giant statue of Ramses and was dedicated to the god Amun.
• Luxor and Karnak Temples: Ramses added to these existing temple complexes, including a massive pylon and numerous statues.
• Pi-Ramesses: This was his new capital city, strategically located in the Nile Delta. It was a thriving metropolis during his reign but was abandoned after the decline of his dynasty.

Artistic Contributions

Ramses II was known for his contribution to Egyptian art and culture. His reign saw an explosion of artistic expression, with detailed carvings and inscriptions that celebrated his achievements, divine favor, and military victories. His statues are characterized by their grandeur and idealized representations of him as a youthful and powerful leader.

Diplomatic Efforts

Besides military campaigns, Ramses II was also known for his diplomatic efforts. The peace treaty with the Hittites after the Battle of Kadesh is a testament to his diplomatic skills. This treaty is one of the earliest known examples of international diplomacy, and a copy of it can be found at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Final Years and Death

Ramses II lived to be around 90 years old, a considerable age for that era. He outlived many of his wives and children, and his long reign brought stability to Egypt. He was buried in the Valley of the Kings, but his tomb was later moved to protect it from looters. His mummy was discovered in 1881 and has been extensively studied.

Influence and Legacy

Ramses II’s impact on Egypt and the broader ancient world was immense. His reign is often seen as a golden age of Egypt. His military campaigns secured Egypt’s borders and expanded its influence, while his construction projects left an enduring legacy that continues to draw admiration today.

Interesting Fact: During his reign, Egypt was one of the wealthiest and most powerful civilizations in the world. His ability to balance warfare, diplomacy, and monumental construction projects showcases his multifaceted leadership.