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Ramesses II

    Ramesses II (Ramesses the Great)

    Introduction:

    King Ramesses II, known as Ramesses the Great, is considered one of the greatest rulers in the history of ancient Egypt and one of the most famous pharaohs who left a significant mark on human history. He ruled Egypt for more than sixty-six years, one of the longest reigns in ancient history. His era witnessed great prosperity in military, political, religious, and architectural aspects, with his influence enduring long after his death.

    Ramesses II’s Early Life and Royal Training

    Ramesses II was born around 1303 BCE during the 19th Dynasty. His parents, King Seti I and Queen Tuya, raised him in a royal environment that valued military and religious education. At the royal court, he learned to read and write hieroglyphs and trained in horsemanship, archery, and combat skills.

    Moreover, Ramesses I, his grandfather, played a pivotal role in founding the 19th Dynasty but had a short reign. Seti I succeeded him and strengthened Egypt’s influence in Asia and Nubia while preparing Ramesses II for leadership.

    At fifteen, Ramesses became crown prince and accompanied his father on military campaigns in Canaan, Syria, and Nubia. Consequently, he showed remarkable bravery and skill, earning the trust of the Egyptian army as a capable field commander.

    During his youth, Ramesses led campaigns in Nubia, constructed fortresses, and set up local administrations to secure Egyptian dominance. Additionally, he fought desert tribes in Sinai, gaining vital experience before assuming full power.

    Rise of Ramesses II and Early Reign as Pharaoh

    Ramesses II became pharaoh in 1279 BCE after Seti I’s death, likely in his early twenties. Shortly after, he launched architectural projects and military campaigns to restore control over rebellious Levantine regions.

    To consolidate power, he built alliances with priests and military leaders and enforced a centralized system. Thus, his early reign was characterized by aggressive efforts to solidify his authority and display Egypt’s renewed dominance.

    Ramesses II’s Royal Family and Marriages

    Ramesses married several royal women. Queen Nefertari, his chief and beloved wife, received a dedicated temple beside his at Abu Simbel. The richly decorated temple depicts her participating in religious ceremonies alongside the pharaoh—a rare honor for a queen.

    Another wife, Isetnofret, gave birth to Merneptah, his eventual successor. Furthermore, many of his daughters, such as Bintanath, played prominent roles in the royal court, with some depicted as royal consorts and priestesses, indicating their influence in both politics and religion.

    He fathered over 100 children, the highest number recorded among Egyptian pharaohs. Temple and tomb reliefs often depict his family, reflecting his devotion. In fact, he commissioned elaborate tombs in the Valley of the Kings, some discovered only recently, such as KV5—a vast tomb built for his sons.

    Ramesses II’s Military Campaigns and Diplomatic Strategies

    One of his most renowned military exploits was the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE against Hittite king Muwatalli II. Fought in northern Syria, this battle involved thousands of chariots and remains one of the largest in history. Ramesses narrowly avoided defeat and regrouped his forces. As a result, he claimed a personal victory which he recorded in numerous temples.

    He immortalized the battle with vivid reliefs and inscriptions, most famously in the Ramesseum and the temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel, showing him fighting valiantly with divine support.

    After continued hostilities, he signed a peace treaty with the Hittites—the first recorded treaty in history—inscribed on Karnak’s walls. This treaty also included a marriage alliance with a Hittite princess, thereby fostering decades of peace between the two empires.

    Ramesses also:

    • Secured southern borders through Nubian campaigns, installing loyal governors and building temples such as Beit el-Wali.
    • Led operations against Libyan tribes threatening the western delta.
    • Sent expeditions to Palestine and Canaan, maintaining trade routes and vassal loyalty.
    • Campaigned in Amurru, reasserting Egyptian influence through direct interventions and diplomacy.

    His foreign policy blended military might with strategic diplomacy, effectively ensuring Egypt’s regional dominance.

    Architectural Achievements and Monuments of Ramesses II

    Ramesses II oversaw an era of grand construction:

    • Abu Simbel: Carved directly into sandstone cliffs, it features four colossal seated statues of Ramesses on the facade. Inside, the sanctuary’s axis allows sunlight to illuminate the innermost chamber twice a year (February 22 and October 22), a solar alignment likely linked to the king’s birthday and coronation.
    • Ramesseum: Located in Thebes, it served as his mortuary temple. The temple contains massive statues, storerooms, and detailed depictions of the Battle of Kadesh. Notably, the colossal fallen statue of Ramesses once stood over 17 meters tall.
    • Luxor and Karnak: Ramesses added massive pylons, statues, and a courtyard to Luxor Temple. At Karnak, he constructed a new temple precinct and contributed obelisks and columns to its grandeur.
    • Temple of Ptah in Memphis: He renovated this important religious site and added chapels dedicated to deities such as Sekhmet and Nefertum.
    • Pi-Ramesses: Established in the Nile Delta, Pi-Ramesses became his new capital. It featured grand palaces, military barracks, and bronze-smithing workshops, clearly reflecting Egypt’s power and organization.
    • Border Fortifications: He strengthened Egypt’s eastern and western frontiers with forts and watchtowers, especially along the “Ways of Horus” route to protect from invasions.
    • Irrigation Projects: His reign saw the development of canals and wells, thus improving agricultural production and expanding settlement into arid zones.

    Religion: Divine Kingship and Priesthood

    Ramesses presented himself as a living deity and son of Amun. Egyptians worshipped him during his life, and temples featured sanctuaries dedicated to his cult.

    Moreover, he built strong relationships with powerful Theban priests and promoted solar worship, especially Ra-Horakhty. He often depicted himself in the image of gods, particularly Osiris and Re, to reinforce divine authority.

    Ramesses supported the priesthood with land donations and temple construction. Consequently, this elevated the status of Amun-Ra’s cult. His religious policy also strengthened the ideological foundation of kingship and reinforced centralized power.

    Death of Ramesses II and Scientific Study of His Mummy

    Ramesses II died around age 90, an extraordinary lifespan for the era. Initially buried in KV7 in the Valley of the Kings, his tomb suffered early damage and looting. To preserve the mummy, priests reburied it in the Deir el-Bahari cache.

    Discovered in 1881, the mummy was moved to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. In 1976, it was flown to Paris for conservation. Interestingly, French scientists treated the mummy as a state guest, granting it a passport listing “King (deceased)” as occupation.

    Modern studies revealed arthritis, atherosclerosis, and severe dental abscesses. His red-tinted hair, once mistaken for being naturally ginger, was likely colored with henna. The body showed meticulous embalming, using rare imported resins and unguents.

    Researchers used various technologies to study his remains:

    • French Analysis (1976): Revealed spinal disorders, posture issues, and cause of death theories.
    • CT Scans and DNA Testing: Helped identify familial lineage, connecting him with Seti I and Merneptah.
    • Forensic Analysis: Suggested Ramesses enjoyed high-quality nutrition, consistent with royal life.

    Some biblical scholars propose that Ramesses II was the pharaoh of the Exodus. However, archaeological evidence remains inconclusive. Nevertheless, theories persist based on his prominence, longevity, and biblical timelines.

    Conclusion: Legacy of Ramesses the Great

    Ramesses II exemplified ancient Egypt’s glory. A warrior, builder, religious figure, and visionary, he left behind a vast legacy of monuments, reforms, and legends. Therefore, his life remains a focal point of study, and his impact continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts worldwide.

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