Top 10 Facts about Ramses II

Top 10 Facts about Ramses II

Ramses II is a significant persona in Egyptian civilization. He is famously referred to as Ramesses the Great and remembered for his great conquests against Egypt’s enemies.

This third Pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt was named after his grandfather, Ramses I and was groomed to be a leader despite not being directly in line to take over the reins, as the next Pharaoh. His older brother was but unfortunately died young.

On his fifteenth birthday, Ramses II became Prince. He was crowned king at age 25, upon the death of the then Pharoah, his father Seti I.

Ramses II, the greatest Pharaoh of ancient Egypt was popular in his lifetime and even after. A look at the top 10 facts about him may just reveal why.

1. Ramses II was dedicated to architecture

Ramesseum- by Djehouty- Wikimedia Commons

Ramses’ reign saw a lot of architectural developments- reconstruction of several structures, the building of temples and monuments in new designs and style.

The Ramesseum and Abu Simbel are examples of detailed buildings that came up during Ramses II reign, which are still a center of attraction in Egypt and visited by tourists from all over the world.

Another architectural achievement during Ramses II reign was the new ancient Egyptian capital city that he built. The city’s infrastructure was one of a kind- Pi-Ramesses greatly flourished.

Unfortunately, the city was later abandoned and it deteriorated.

2. Ramses II was at the forefront at the battle of Kadesh

Ramses II at the Battle of Kadesh- Scan by NYPL- Wikimedia Commons

By the time Ramses II was 22 years old, he was responsible for some Egyptian troops, which he led into battle to secure Egypt’s borders and interests.

He commandeered a small troop against the Hittites at the famous battle of Kadesh.

This battle was one of the oldest ever recorded in history, spanning over a long period.  Ramses’ army at the battle of Kadesh amounted to 20,000 men, with about 5,000 chariots. He escaped death and reclaimed the provinces that had been lost.

Ramses II showcased his leadership and commandeering prowess in the battlefield against nations such as the Hittites, Nubians, Libyans and Syrians. He had an outstanding ability to lead the army.

3. Ramses II signed the pioneer peace treaty

Egyptian- Hittite peace treaty- by Gudrun Meyer- Wikimedia Commons

Ramses II settled for a peace treaty with the Hittites after the battle of Kadesh, in which there was no definitive winner. This treaty is the oldest one on record in the world!

While the contents of the treaty are unknown, both parties respected it- the Hittites stuck within their boundaries.

Ramsey II goes on record as having signed the first peace treaty, long before they became as popular as they did over the years to present day.

4. Ramses II might be the Pharaoh in the Bible

Israelite slaves in Egypt- by Gerard Hoet- Wikimedia Commons

The Bible records a story that’s very familiar to Christians everywhere- that of Israelite slaves in captivity in Egypt, and a Pharaoh who would not let his slaves go, even with deadly plagues meted on the whole of Egypt by the God of the slaves.

It is believed that Ramses II is this great Pharaoh- he had ruled over Egypt for many years, likely covering the period within which the Israelite subjects were in bondage in Egypt.

5. Ramses’ successor was his 13^th son

The Pharaoh married two wives when he was only a prince. He, however, went on to have 200 wives and concubines, and about 100 children!

While it was commonplace to have as many wives, Ramses is said to have pushed the envelope with these numbers.

Ramses II outlived many of his approximately 100 children and ruled for a long time- his 13^th son Merneptah took over from him, at age 60.

His lengthy rule gave Ramses II much more importance and reverence than he already had.

6. He dealt with the Sherden sea pirates menace

Pirate ship- by Ambroise Louis Garneray- Wikimedia Commons

Not too long after Ramses II became Pharaoh, he earned the admiration and praise of his people- the maritime business of ancient Egypt traders was under threat from the Sherden sea pirates who attacked them continuously.

His ability to strategically plan and eliminate this threat was impressive, more so within the first two years of his rule!

7. Ramses II mummy is preserved in Cairo

Ramses II died at age 90, and he was buried in the Valley of Kings. He died from arthritis and hardening of arteries. His dental health also suffered in his old age.

His mummified body was however transferred from the Valley of Kings to avoid it being stolen. Presently, it can be found in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

8. Ramses II had a flair for publicity

Colossus of Ramesses II- by Bedoyere- Wikimedia Commons

Ramses’ name and records of his numerous feats in battle were found everywhere in Egypt and Nubia. Resident and visitor alike were bound to recognize his prowess. These enumerations were on his request and instruction.

Ramses II, however, can be said to have earned this display of his greatness anyway- Egypt thrived under his rule.

The temples built during his reign boast huge statues of him, some at tall as 6 feet.

9. Ramses II was a god

Ruling Egypt for at least 30 years automatically elevated Ramses II into a god, per Egyptian tradition.

Ramses II celebrated the Sed festival, an occurrence through which the elevation took place. This Pharaoh celebrated about 14 Sed festivals in his lifetime on the throne.

10. Ramses II doted on one of his wives

Queen Nerfeteri- by The Yorck Project- Wikimedia Commons

Queen Nefertari, one of the two wives that Ramses II took when he was a Prince was referred to as his royal wife. Ramses II ruled with this particular wife. As the most beloved queen, Nerfeteri wielded some power in her own right.

At her death, Ramses ensured her tomb was the most beautiful in the Valley of the Queens, where Queens would be buried. This tomb is regarded as one of the most celebrated pieces of decorated architecture in Egyptian civilization, complete with beautiful wall carvings and paintings of her.

Ramses II was one of the most celebrated, powerful and influential Pharaohs in Egypt. From being a military genius to a great architect and economist, it is no wonder that Ramses II statues dot Egypt’s temples and other vantage points.

His reign saw changes that his predecessors were not able to accomplish- he conquered lands his father had not been able to.

With his death, the Egyptian empire fell a century and a half.

To be associated with such a great name and legacy would indeed be an honor- nine Pharaohs after Ramses II were named after him.