Pharaoh Ramses II The Great Ruler of Ancient Egypt

A History of Ramses II: Military Conquests, Architectural Achievements, and Lasting Legacy

Sculpture Pharaoh Ramses II

Pharaoh Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was one of ancient Egypt's most powerful and influential pharaohs. He reigned over Egypt for an impressive 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, during the New Kingdom period of Egyptian history. Ramses II is widely regarded as one of the most successful pharaohs in terms of military conquests, architectural achievements, and political influence.

Ramses II was born around 1303 BCE and ascended to the throne at the age of 25, following the death of his father, Seti I. During his long reign, Ramses II undertook numerous military campaigns to protect Egypt's borders, expand its territory, and establish Egyptian dominance in the region. His most significant military victories came in the Levant, where he fought against the Hittite Empire, Egypt's primary rival at the time.

The Battle of Kadesh, fought around 1274 BCE, is one of Ramses II's most famous military campaigns. It was a significant conflict between the Egyptian and Hittite forces near the city of Kadesh in modern-day Syria. Although the battle ended inconclusively, Ramses II portrayed it as a great victory in his official accounts and subsequent inscriptions.

Ramses II's reign was marked by extensive construction projects throughout Egypt. He initiated the construction of numerous temples, monuments, and cities, including the famous Ramesseum, his mortuary temple on the west bank of the Nile in Thebes (modern-day Luxor). He also commissioned the construction of the Abu Simbel temples, dedicated to himself and his favorite wife, Queen Nefertari.

Another notable architectural accomplishment of Ramses II was the building of the city of Pi-Ramesses (also known as Per-Ramesses or Piramesse). Located in the Nile Delta, Pi-Ramesses served as the capital of Egypt during his reign and became a symbol of his grandeur and power.

Ramses II was also renowned for his prolific family. He is believed to have had more than 100 children, through his various wives and concubines. One of his sons, Merneptah, succeeded him as pharaoh.

After his death, Ramses II was initially buried in the Valley of the Kings. However, during the 19th Dynasty, his mummy was moved to a hidden location to protect it from grave robbers. In 1881, the mummy of Ramses II was rediscovered and is now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The reign of Ramses II left a lasting impact on ancient Egypt. His military campaigns and architectural achievements helped solidify Egypt's dominance in the region, and his long reign symbolized stability and prosperity. Ramses II's legacy endures through his numerous monuments and inscriptions, which provide valuable insights into the culture, religion, and history of ancient Egypt.