Ramses II

Ramses II (r. 1279-1213 BC) is the mightiest third pharaoh of the 19th dynasty of Egypt. Ramses was named after his grandfather, the great pharaoh Ramses I, who brought their commoner family to the ranks of royalty through his military prowess.

Ramses II’s father, Seti I, secured the nation’s wealth by opening mines and quarries. King Seti I gave the crown to Prince Ramses who turned to Ramses II.

He led several expeditions and focused on accomplishing his goals. This reflected his vision of a great nation and got him the title of “ruler of rulers”.

In 1275 BC, Ramses II began a campaign to recover the lost provinces in the north. The last battle of this campaign was the Battle of Kadesh, fought in 1274 BC against the Hittite Empire under Muwatalli II.

His celebrated building accomplishments, including the marvels at Karnak and Abu Simbel, reflected his vision of a great nation and of himself as the “ruler of rulers.” He erected more monuments and statues—and sired more children—than any other pharaoh.

In the 30th years of his reign, Ramses was ritually transformed into an Egyptian god. 14 sed festivals were held during his entire reign.

Upon being declared a god, Ramses established the new capital city, Pi-Ramesses, in the Nile Delta and used it as the main base for his campaigns in Syria.

He had over 200 wives and concubines, ninety-six sons and sixty daughters, most of whom he outlived. It was Merneptah, his 13th son, who came out as his eventual successor. And he was 60 years old.
Ramses II

Abu Simbel temples

The great temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and the neighborhood temple built to his beloved wide Nefertari are among the most imposing structures in the world.

Ramses II, the greatest of Egypt’s pharaoh ruled for 66 years beginning in 1279 BC. He was best remembered for what he left behind.

He also left more monuments to himself that did any other pharaoh. His grandest monument was the Great Temple at Abu Simbel in southern Egypt. It was built into cliff along the Nile River.

Ramses wanted to restore Egypt’s glory. He regained territory that had been lost after other nations conquered Egypt.

Constructing the temples on a mountain overlooking the Nile took 30 years. At the front of the main temple which is 100 feet tall, there were four 66-foot tall statues of Ramses.

Egyptians worshipped many Gods. Ramses’ temple was dedicated to the sun god. The temple was but to let sunlight reach 160 feet inside the temple to shine on the statues on two days each year, Ramses’s birthday and the day he was crowned king.
Abu Simbel temples