Ramses II - War Master And Peacemaker
Kings all over history had the intention of expanding their territory and building an undefeated empire to increase their area of power and resources. In that matter, there’s a unique king who reigned Egypt for over 60 years, Ramses II, also named Ramses the Great. The name of Ramses II’s definition is the elect of Ra, the sun god.
It seems that his life was dedicated to wars and invasions, from north to south and east to west. He was also a great builder. He left us many monuments and temples, and he built a whole city called “Pi-Ramses” to be his capital, located in the Nile Delta.
When Was Ramses II Born? And Early Life
Ramses II was declared as prince regent when he was just fourteen years old while his father was out borders conquering and expanding, which had given him the ability to be a great King. He was born in 1303 BC, son of King Seti I; it’s believed that he officially became the Pharaoh in 1279 BC and kept the throne for another 66 years.
Maybe it’s the longest reign period for a king in Egyptian history till he died in 1213 BC and lived for 90 years. Actually, he had outlived most of his wives and many of his children. Ramses II’s tomb lies in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, tomb number KV7, but the King was removed after to Queen AhmosInhapy’s Tomb to protect him from robbery and moved again to the tomb of the high priest Pinedjem II.
Ramses II’s mummy now exists at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, or that’s what we believe, as this mummy was found in a wooden coffin. The French Egyptologist Gaston Maspero unwrapped it for the first time. The mummy can give us a hint about what the King looked like—if it’s his mummy—he had an aquiline nose, strong jaw, and was 1.7 m tall (5 ft 7 in).
How Did Ramses ii Die?
The King was suffering from severe dental problems, and he was diagnosed with arthritis and hardening of the arteries, believed to have caused his death after a long life, leaving Egypt’s throne to his son Merneptah.
Pharaoh Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was a formidable ruler whose reign left an indelible mark on ancient Egypt. However, despite his illustrious legacy, his death’s circumstances have remained mysterious. This article delves into the various theories and historical accounts to show how King Ramses II met his ultimate fate.
How Many Kids Did Ramses II Have?
The King had over 200 wives and concubines during his life. Long live the King! That’s why we are not surprised when we know that Ramses II’s children are estimated to be ninety-six sons and sixty daughters.
King Ramses II’s wife, Nefertari, was his best, and that’s obvious in the whole temple he had built for her next to his temple. She was the only wife to have such a building carrying her name.
Ramses II Achievements
A lot widely knew the King of Victories on several occasions. Some were defending, and others were invading and expanding. In the second year of his reign, some pirates attacked the cargo-laden ships coming to Egypt in the Mediterranean. These pirates were the Sherden people, living in the sea, probably coming from Anatolia, present-day Turkey.
With a tight plan, Ramses II could beat them up by posting his troops in some strategic spots along the coast and giving them a chance to attack first as a trap. In the fourth year of his reign, he started his first Syrian campaign by attacking Canaan. Ramses had taken the princes of Canaan as live prisoners. This battle was commemorated by an erection located near Beirut called the Commemorative stelae of Nahr el-Kalb.
During the fifth reign year, another battle was a special one, not for what happened during the war, but for its end. In the second Syrian campaign, this time, he fought against the Hittites. Who was representing a danger to Egypt’s eastern borders? His father was trying to defeat them for a long time before him without victory, so maybe he was trying to finish what his father couldn’t, but could he?
It was called the Battle of Kadesh, named after the area where it took place, now somewhere between Syria and Lebanon. It was believed to be the most massive chariot battle ever, involving between 5000 and 6000 chariots, a massive war with equivalent forces on both sides, which made it an endless war that nobody could win.
But the way it ended gave it a wide celebrity and put King Ramses II in a particular position in human history. Ramses the Great signed the first peace treaty ever known in history with the Hittite. Unfortunately, there were no Nobel prizes at this time. As a war master, he was also a peacemaker. He had also led several campaigns in Nubia and Libya to expand his great empire, protect his borders, and set control over all the area.
What did Ramses II build? Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel
Like all the Pharaohs, King Ramses II built some important monuments. One such monument is a capital called “Pi-Ramses,” which means the house of Ramses. This capital was used during the battle of Kadesh as supply support for his army, as he built factories producing weapons, chariots, and shields at a high rate of production.
However, the most famous monument he left behind is the Ramses II temple at Abu Simbel, marking the southern borders of his empire; the temple was mainly for himself to be blessed by the gods and offer immortality. Ramses II temple is a piece of art carved out of the mountainside, with a front view of four gigantic statues of the King sitting.
UNESCO considered it a world heritage site, and it was saved from the Nile floods by being moved to a safer place. Ramses II built many more temples, like the Ramesseum and his mortuary temple, and he added to some existing temples, such as the Karnak Temple. Ramses II left his marks everywhere more than any other King before him or after him, as he wanted to be remembered forever.
A Ramses II statue can be found everywhere, even in some museums abroad, which is proof of his full celebrity. Still, the most famous statue of Ramses II is the one that was found at the great temple of Ptah near Memphis. It was found broken into six pieces made from red granite. It had been restored and placed in a public square in Cairo for many years before it was moved again to a temporary location to be restored to welcome guests at the entrance hall in the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
There is no doubt that King Ramses the Second was one of the most famous Egyptian Pharaohs in Egypt’s history. You can call him several nicknames: the emperor, the builder, the war master, the Peacemaker, and the invader. Still, for sure, he was Ramses the Great. He left us a great heritage, not only the temples and monuments but also some manners of human beings, which are missing nowadays.
Ramses II: The Great Pharaoh and His Enduring Legacy
Ramses II, also known as Ramesses II or Ramses the Great, was a legendary pharaoh who ruled ancient Egypt during its golden age. With a reign spanning an impressive 66 years, Ramses II left an indelible mark on Egyptian history and is remembered as one of the most influential and accomplished pharaohs ever. In this article, we will delve into Ramses II’s life, reign, notable achievements, and lasting impact on Egypt.
- Birth and Early Life: Ramses II was born in 1303 BC, during the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. His birthdate is unknown, but historians believe it was around 1303 or 1304 BC. As the son of Seti I, Ramses II was groomed from an early age to assume the throne and carry on his father’s legacy. His birth marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would shape the destiny of Egypt.
- Reign and Accomplishments: Ramses II ascended to the throne at age 25 and ruled Egypt with unwavering determination and vision. He led numerous military campaigns, expanding Egypt’s territory and securing its borders. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
- Construction Projects: Ramses II was a prolific builder, leaving behind magnificent structures such as the Temple of Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum, his mortuary temple. These architectural marvels showcased his dedication to the gods and his desire to immortalize his rule.
- Battle of Kadesh: One of the most famous military campaigns of Ramses II was the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. Though the battle ended in a stalemate, Ramses II skillfully crafted a victory narrative, solidifying his reputation as a formidable military leader.
- Diplomacy and Alliances: Ramses II actively pursued diplomatic relationships with neighboring kingdoms, forging alliances through marriages and treaties. His efforts helped maintain stability in the region and solidify Egypt’s dominance.
- Legacy and Impact: Ramses II’s reign left an enduring legacy that shaped Egypt’s cultural, political, and artistic landscape. Some of the notable aspects of his impact include:
- Longevity of Rule: Ramses II’s 66-year reign was unprecedented, making him one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in Egyptian history. His longevity ensured stability and continuity during a critical period for Egypt.
- Art and Architecture: Ramses II’s reign witnessed artistic and architectural achievements flourishing. Temples, statues, and reliefs dedicated to the pharaoh adorned Egypt, showcasing his divine kingship and immortalizing his image.
- Cultural Significance: Ramses II symbolized power and greatness in Egyptian society. His name and legacy inspired subsequent generations, and he was revered as a paragon of pharaonic rule.
- Historical Importance: Ramses II’s military campaigns and diplomatic endeavors shaped the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. His influence extended beyond Egypt’s borders, leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s history.
The Decline of an Iconic Pharaoh
Ramses II ascended the throne at age 25 and ruled Egypt for 66 years. He led military campaigns, constructed magnificent structures, and solidified Egypt’s power throughout his reign. However, as he approached his twilight years, his health began to decline.
The Theories Surrounding Ramses II's Death
- Natural Causes: One widely accepted theory suggests that Ramses II succumbed to natural causes associated with old age. Historians believe that he lived well into his 90s, an exceptional feat. The wear and tear of long, eventful life and age-related ailments likely contributed to his eventual demise.
- Infections and Ailments: Another theory proposes that Ramses II’s death resulted from various infections and ailments. Historical records indicate he had arthritis, dental issues, and severe tooth decay. Additionally, he may have been afflicted by cardiovascular diseases, which are common among elderly individuals.
- Osteoarthritis and Mobility Issues: Ramses II’s mummified remains reveal evidence of osteoarthritis and mobility issues. This supports the theory that his death may have been due to complications arising from these conditions. The pain and limited mobility caused by osteoarthritis could have made him more susceptible to infections and further deterioration of his health.
- Pharaoh’s Curse: Some legends and popular culture references have perpetuated the notion of a “Pharaoh’s Curse” associated with Ramses II’s tomb. However, no substantial evidence supports this theory, as his mummy and tomb have been studied extensively without any unusual occurrences or curses being substantiated.
The exact cause of Pharaoh Ramses II’s death may never be definitively known. However, historical records and archaeological findings provide valuable insights into the factors that likely contributed to his demise. Whether it was a combination of old age, ailments, or infections, Ramses II’s death marked the end of an era in Egyptian history. Despite the uncertainties, his legacy as one of Egypt’s most influential pharaohs lives on, and the mystery surrounding his death continues to captivate the imagination of scholars and history enthusiasts alike.
Ramses II, the great pharaoh of ancient Egypt, left an indelible mark on history through his remarkable reign, numerous achievements, and enduring legacy. From his birth and early years to his reign as a powerful pharaoh, Ramses II’s impact can still be felt today in the grand structures he built, the stories of his military exploits, and the reverence with which he is remembered. Ramses the Great will forever be known as one of the most influential figures in ancient Egyptian history, whose contributions continue to captivate the world.
