Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt who reigned from 1279 BCE to 1213 BCE, which is a total of 66 years, making him one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in Egyptian history.
He was born in 1303 BCE in the ancient city of Pi-Ramesses, located in the eastern Nile Delta region of Egypt. Ramses II is considered one of the most powerful pharaohs in Egyptian history, having expanded the Egyptian empire to its greatest extent.
He was known for his military prowess, great works of architecture, and patronage of the arts. Ramses II had many wives and children, and it is believed that he had over 100 children in total. He lived to the age of 90, which was considered very old in ancient Egypt.
Ramses II is still remembered today as one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history and as a symbol of the power and majesty of ancient Egypt.
Ramses II Facts
1. Ramses II is also known as Ramses the Great
Ramses II is also known as Ramses the Great, a title he earned through his many military victories, architectural achievements, and cultural contributions.
The title “the Great” was not used during his lifetime, but it was later bestowed upon him by historians who recognized the enormity of his accomplishments and his lasting impact on ancient Egypt.
Also Read: Facts About Abu Simbel
Today, Ramses II is widely regarded as one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history, and his legacy continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.
2. He reigned from 1279 BCE to 1213 BCE
Ramses II’s reign lasted for 66 years, making him one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in Egyptian history. He became pharaoh at the age of around 25 and continued to rule until his death at the age of 90.
Also Read: Ramses II Accomplishments
During his long reign, Ramses II left an indelible mark on ancient Egypt, overseeing the construction of many great works of architecture and leading his armies in many successful military campaigns.
3. Ramses II was born in 1303 BCE
Ramses II was born in 1303 BCE in the ancient city of Pi-Ramesses, which was located in the eastern Nile Delta region of Egypt.
Also Read: Ramses II Timeline
Pi-Ramesses was founded by his father Seti I and was named after him, as Ramses II’s original birth name was actually Ramses Meriamun, which means “Born of Ra, beloved of Amun.”
Pi-Ramesses was a grand and prosperous city that served as a center of administration and culture during Ramses II’s reign.
4. He is considered one of the most powerful pharaohs in Egyptian history
Ramses II is considered one of the most powerful pharaohs in Egyptian history, in large part due to his military accomplishments and his expansion of the Egyptian empire.
During his reign, he launched numerous military campaigns, both to expand the empire’s borders and to defend against foreign invaders.
He fought against several neighboring kingdoms, including the Hittites, the Libyans, and the Nubians, and is perhaps best known for his victory at the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites.
Under Ramses II’s rule, Egypt reached its greatest territorial extent, extending from modern-day Syria in the north to modern-day Sudan in the south.
5. Ramses II fought in many battles throughout his reign
Ramses II fought in many battles throughout his long reign as pharaoh of Egypt, including the famous Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites in 1274 BCE.
This battle was one of the largest chariot battles in recorded history and is considered a significant event in ancient military history.
Despite initial setbacks, Ramses II and his army ultimately emerged victorious in the battle, and the victory was celebrated throughout Egypt in many grand public works, including several temples and monuments.
The Battle of Kadesh is often cited as one of Ramses II’s greatest military accomplishments.
6. He was known for his military prowess
Ramses II was known for his military prowess and is believed to have personally led his troops into battle on many occasions. He was known to be a skilled warrior and is said to have been a brave and capable commander.
In addition to his victory at the Battle of Kadesh, Ramses II was also known for his successful military campaigns against the Libyans and the Nubians, among others.
His military accomplishments helped to solidify Egypt’s position as a major power in the ancient world and contributed to his reputation as one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history.
7. Ramses II commissioned many great works of architecture
Ramses II was a great builder and commissioned many grand works of architecture during his reign as pharaoh of Egypt.
Perhaps the most famous of these is the temple at Abu Simbel, which features four enormous statues of Ramses II carved into the facade of the temple.
The temple was originally built to honor the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and it remains one of the most impressive ancient structures in Egypt today.
Another notable architectural project commissioned by Ramses II is the Ramesseum, which was a grand mortuary temple built on the west bank of the Nile near modern-day Luxor.
The temple was dedicated to the god Amun and was designed to honor Ramses II himself. It featured several large statues of Ramses II, including a 57-foot-tall statue that is now mostly destroyed.
Ramses II also commissioned numerous other temples, palaces, and monuments throughout Egypt during his reign, many of which still stand today and continue to awe and inspire visitors with their grandeur and beauty.
8. He ordered the construction of many statues of himself
Ramses II ordered the construction of many statues of himself throughout Egypt during his reign, as was common for pharaohs of the time.
The most famous of these is perhaps the statue of Ramses II located at Memphis, which is over 30 feet tall and depicts the pharaoh seated on his throne. The statue is made of red granite and is considered one of the largest and most impressive statues of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh ever constructed.
In addition to the statue at Memphis, Ramses II also commissioned numerous other statues of himself throughout Egypt, many of which can still be seen today in various temples and public spaces.
These statues were designed to project the pharaoh’s power and authority, and they played an important role in the religious and political life of ancient Egypt.
9. Ramses II had many wives and children
Ramses II is believed to have had many wives and concubines, and it is estimated that he had over 100 children in total. This was not uncommon for pharaohs of the time, who often had large harems and multiple wives and concubines.
Ramses II’s many children included numerous sons and daughters, some of whom went on to become powerful figures in their own right.
Some of Ramses II’s most famous children include his firstborn son Amun-her-khepeshef, who was designated as his heir but predeceased his father, as well as his son Khaemweset, who became a high priest and was known for his role in the preservation of ancient Egyptian monuments and texts.
Ramses II’s many children helped to ensure the continuity of his dynasty and contributed to his legacy as one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs in Egyptian history.
10. He is said to have lived to the age of 90
Ramses II is said to have lived to the age of 90, which was considered an exceptionally long life in ancient Egypt. It is believed that his long life was due in part to his privileged upbringing and access to a healthy diet and medical care.
Despite his advanced age, Ramses II remained active and engaged in his duties as pharaoh until the end of his life, continuing to launch military campaigns and oversee public works projects well into his 80s.
His longevity contributed to his reputation as a wise and powerful ruler, and his legacy continued to inspire awe and admiration long after his death.
11. Ramses II was a prolific builder
Ramses II was a prolific builder and commissioned many public works projects throughout his long reign as pharaoh of Egypt.
In addition to his famous temples and monuments, Ramses II oversaw the construction of numerous canals and roads that helped to improve transportation and commerce throughout Egypt. He also ordered the construction of several large cities and fortresses, including the city of Pi-Ramesses, which served as his capital during the early part of his reign.
Ramses II was known for his ambitious public works projects, and he often used them to promote his own legacy and glorify his reign.
His public works projects helped to transform Egypt into a thriving and prosperous empire, and they continue to inspire awe and wonder today as testaments to the power and creativity of ancient Egyptian civilization.
12. He was a patron of the arts
Ramses II was not only a builder and a military leader but also a patron of the arts. He commissioned many sculptures, paintings, and other works of art throughout his reign, which were intended to glorify him, his family, and the gods.
Ramses II’s patronage of the arts helped to fuel a flourishing of artistic expression in ancient Egypt and contributed to the development of many new artistic styles and techniques.
Some of Ramses II’s most famous works of art include the numerous statues and reliefs that were created in his likeness, as well as the many temple decorations and murals that he commissioned.
These works of art often depicted scenes from his military campaigns or from his religious rituals and were created by some of the most talented artists and artisans of the time.
Ramses II’s patronage of the arts helped to solidify his reputation as a great pharaoh and contributed to his lasting legacy as a cultural icon. Today, many of his works of art can be seen in museums and galleries around the world, where they continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their beauty and grandeur.
13. Ramesses II was buried in the Valley of the Kings
Originally, Ramesses II was buried in the Valley of the Kings’ tomb KV7, but due to looting, priests later moved the body to a holding area, re-wrapped it, and deposited it within the tomb of queen Ahmose Inhapy.
It was relocated again 72 hours later, to the grave of the high priest Pinedjem II.
All of this is written in hieroglyphics on the linen that covered Ramesses II’s burial. His mummy was discovered at TT320 inside a plain wooden coffin in 1881 and is now housed in Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
14. Ramses II is still remembered today as one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history
Ramses II is still remembered today as one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history and as a symbol of the power and majesty of ancient Egypt.
His long reign, military accomplishments, and numerous public works projects helped to transform Egypt into a prosperous and influential empire, and his legacy continues to inspire awe and admiration.
Ramses II is also remembered for his patronage of the arts and his many great works of architecture, many of which still stand today as testaments to his power and creativity. His image and likeness have been immortalized in numerous works of art and literature, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of ancient Egypt.
Today, Ramses II’s legacy can be seen throughout Egypt, from the towering statues and grand temples that he commissioned to the mummy that bears his name and likeness.
His impact on ancient Egypt and its culture continues to be felt today, and he remains a beloved and revered figure in the history of this fascinating and complex civilization.
15. He built grand mortuary temple Ramesseum
The Ramesseum is a grand mortuary temple located on the west bank of the Nile River in modern-day Luxor, Egypt. It was built during the reign of Ramses II, who commissioned the temple to be constructed in honor of the god Amun and to serve as his own funerary temple.
The Ramesseum is notable for its impressive size and elaborate architectural features, including a massive statue of Ramses II that was over 57 feet tall.
The Ramesseum was designed to be a grand and imposing structure that would serve as a lasting monument to the pharaoh and his accomplishments. It features numerous halls and courtyards, as well as a sanctuary that housed a statue of the god Amun.
The walls of the temple were decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs that depicted scenes from Ramses II’s life and reign, as well as scenes from Egyptian mythology and religion.
Today, the Ramesseum is a popular tourist destination and an important historical and cultural site. Despite suffering significant damage over the centuries, it remains an impressive testament to the power and creativity of ancient Egypt and a lasting monument to one of its greatest pharaohs.