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Ramesses IIPharaoh of Ancient Egypt from the XIX dynasty
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Egypt |
Content:
- Ramses II: The Reign of a Colossus
- Victories and Conquest
- Domestic Achievements
- Family and Descendants
- Amunhirwenemef
- Ramesses:Ramses II's second son
- Merenptah:Ramses II's 13th son, who later became Pharaoh.
- Legacy and Impact
Ramses II: The Reign of a Colossus
Early Life and AccessionRamses II, Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, ascended to the throne on the 27th day of the third month of the Season of Shemu (Drought), approximately 1279-1213 BC. As a young king of about twenty years, he inherited a vast legacy of power and influence.
Victories and Conquest
Despite leaving behind an abundance of monuments and documents bearing his name, the history of Ramses II's 66-year reign is illuminated only in fragmented glimpses. However, it is evident that he faced numerous challenges and achieved significant victories:
Victory over Nubia and Libya:Upon taking power, Ramses II suppressed uprisings in Nubia and Libya, reaffirming Egyptian dominance over these neighboring lands.
Defeat of the Sherden:In the early years of his reign, Ramses II decisively defeated the Sherden, a seafaring people believed to have later settled on the island of Sardinia. The Egyptian victory is attributed to a surprise attack on the Sherden while they were at sea or on a Nile tributary.
Domestic Achievements
In addition to his military prowess, Ramses II is credited with several domestic accomplishments:
Temple and Monument Construction:He commissioned the construction of numerous temples, including the iconic Abu Simbel in Nubia, dedicated to his chief wife, Nefertari, and the vast Ramesseum in Thebes.
Securing Water Supply:In the third year of his reign, Ramses II successfully located water at the gold mines in Wadi Alaki, significantly boosting gold production.
Family and Descendants
Ramses II had a large and influential family:Wives and Children:
Nefertari Merienmut:Ramses II's first and chief wife, Nefertari played a prominent role in his court and maintained a close friendship with the Hittite queen, Puduhepa. They had several children, including:
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Mertiamon
Khenttawi
Merira
Meriatum
Set
Isitnofret:Another of Ramses II's wives, Isitnofret is depicted with her children on several monuments.
Bent-Anat:Ramses II's eldest daughter became Chief Royal Wife after the death of Nefertari.
Ramesses:Ramses II's second son
Khaemwaset:Ramses II's fourth son and a powerful figure in his father's court, Khaemwaset served as High Priest of Ptah in Memphis and was recognized as heir to the throne.
Merenptah:Ramses II's 13th son, who later became Pharaoh.
Maathorneferura:A Hittite princess, Maathorneferura was the third of Ramses II's legal wives.
Hentmira:Ramses II's younger sister or daughter, her role was relatively minor.
Legacy and Impact
Ramses II left behind a legacy that is still felt today:Architectural Marvels:His monumental temples and statues are enduring symbols of Egyptian grandeur and architectural prowess.
Military Conquest:Ramses II's military victories expanded and secured the borders of Egypt.
Diplomatic Prowess:He established diplomatic ties with foreign powers, including the Hittite Empire, through strategic marriages and treaties.
Father of Many Children:Ramses II's large family, with over 100 children, ensured the continuation of his lineage and the dynasty.
As one of the greatest Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, Ramses II's reign stands as a testament to the brilliance, ambition, and enduring power of the Egyptian civilization.
