Ramses 2 biography pharaoh

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Egypt through the life of Ramses II, one of its most remarkable pharaohs. No study of this incredible ruler's era is complete without marvelling at the fascinating blend of history, architecture, and captivating tales that surround him.

This guide delves into the life of Ramses II, exploring his rise to the throne, his reign, and his significant contributions to ancient Egypt. We'll discover his background, his ascent to power, any potential biblical references, and his tremendous achievements – the colossal statues, magnificent temples, and awe-inspiring monuments that stand as testaments to his reign.

In this guide, we will also attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the site, including:

How Did Ramses Become A Pharaoh?What Is The Connection Between Ramses II And Moses?What Was Ramses Family Like? - more.

Who Was Ramses II?

Ramses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, was a truly legendary pharaoh of Egypt. The third ruler of the Nineteenth Dynasty, his reign of 66 years ( BCE) is considered one of the longest and most illustrious in Egyptian history. His fame stemmed not only from his long reign but also from his massive building projects and monuments that beautified the landscape.

Ramses II was the son of Seti I, succeeding him as Pharaoh. This ambitious king embarked on military campaigns that expanded his kingdom's reach, stretching from Nubia in the south to Syria in the northeast. Victories over the Hittite king and other enemies secured his place in Egyptian history. These achievements were documented on temple walls, including the Temple of Ramesses II and the stunning Abu Simbel complex.

However, Ramses II was also a diplomat. He established peace treaties with his former foes, marking a significant achievement in a reign known for both warfare and statesmanship.

Ramses II's legacy

Ramses II (ca BC – BC) was one of the most powerful and influential Egyptian pharaohs in history. He led expeditions and focused on building up the New Kingdom, and most likely reigned longer than any other pharaoh.

Early Life and Reign

Little is known about Ramses’ early life. His exact year of birth is not confirmed but is widely believed to be BC. His father was Seti I, the second pharaoh of the 19 Dynasty, founded by Ramses I, the grandfather of Ramses II. Most likely, Ramses II came to the throne in BC, when he was approximately 24 years old. At some point prior to this, he married his future queen consort, Nefertari. Over the course of their marriage, they had at least four sons and two daughters, and possibly more, although historians have uncertain evidence of children beyond the six who are clearly mentioned in documents and on carvings.

In the first few years of his reign, Ramses foreshadowed his later power with battles against sea pirates and the beginning of major building projects. His earliest known major victory came in the second year of his reign, probably BC, when he defeated the Sherden pirates. The Sherden, who most likely originated from Ionia or Sardinia, were a fleet of pirates who kept attacking cargo ships en route to Egypt, damaging or outright crippling Egyptian sea trade.

Ramses also began his major building projects within the f

Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty (– BC)

"Ramses II" redirects here. For the heavily modified Soviet T main battle tank of the Egyptian military, see Ramses II tank.

Ramesses II (; Ancient Egyptian: rꜥ-ms-sw, Rīꜥa-masē-sə,Ancient Egyptian pronunciation:[ɾiːʕamaˈseːsə]; c.&#; BC – BC), commonly known as Ramesses the Great, was an Egyptian pharaoh. He was the third ruler of the Nineteenth Dynasty. Along with Thutmose III of the Eighteenth Dynasty, he is often regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom, which itself was the most powerful period of ancient Egypt. He is also widely considered one of ancient Egypt's most successful warrior pharaohs, conducting no fewer than 15 military campaigns, all resulting in victories, excluding the Battle of Kadesh, generally considered a stalemate.

In ancient Greek sources, he is called Ozymandias, derived from the first part of his Egyptian-language regnal name: Usermaatre Setepenre. Ramesses was also referred to as the "Great Ancestor" by successor pharaohs and the Egyptian people.

For the early part of his reign, he focused on building cities, templ

ca. BCE – BCE

Ramses II, commonly known as “Ramses the Great,” is one of the most famous pharaohs of Egypt. He was known to the ancient Egyptians as Userma’atre’setepenre, which means “Keeper of Harmony and Balance, Strong in Right, Elect of Ra.”

Ramses II ruled as the third pharaoh of the Ninteenth Dynasty. He reigned for sixty-eight years. He ruled for so long that nearly all of his subjects had been born knowing only him as their pharaoh, leading to some panic upon his death that the world would end. Ramses II, whose mummy showed he stood over six feet tall, had over wives and concubines and children.

Ramses II is viewed as a great warrior, fighting many battles. His reputation as a warrior was enhanced by the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. According to Ramses II, the Battle of Kadesh was a victory for he defeated his enemy. However, the king of the Hittites, Muwatalli II, claimed the Hittites won. While it seems the outcome of the Battle of Kadesh was controversial, the battle did lead to Ramses II and Hattusili III, successor of Muwatalli II, signing the first known peace treaty in the world.

Ramses II constructed the temples at Abu Simbel, the hall at Karnak, the complex at Abydos, the Ramesseum (tomb complex) at Thebes, and hundreds of other buildings, monuments, and temples. Many historians consider his reign the pinnacle of Egyptian art and culture. The well-known tomb of Nefertari (his first wife and favorite queen) is still stunning today, thousands of years later.

Image: RC Shabti of Ramses II at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.