Discovering the Reign of Ramses the Great: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered about the glory of ancient Egypt, the pharaohs, and the grandeur surrounding them? Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt, and his reign was full of significant accomplishments and timeless cultural legacies. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the life, times, reign, and accomplishments of Ramses the Great to discover the impressive reign of one of history’s most remarkable figures.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Born to Seti I and Queen Tuya in 1303 BCE, Ramses II was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Known as the Great, he ascended to the throne at the age of just 24, after his father’s death. Ramses’ reign lasted over 66 years and was one of the longest reigns in ancient Egyptian history. His rule was marked by a significant expansion of the empire’s boundaries, both through conquests and diplomatic alliances.

Accomplishments

Ramses the Great is known for his military conquests, his building achievements, and his celebrated battle with the Hittites. He built numerous temples, statues, and monuments all over Egypt, including the famous Abu Simbel temples, which were moved and reconstructed to prevent them from being flooded during the construction of the Aswan Dam. This remarkable pharaoh also commissioned the construction of the Ramesseum, a mortuary temple dedicated to his father, and the temple of Amun at Karnak, which he enlarged and adorned with his immense statues.

Ramses’ expansion of Egyptian territories was achieved through impressive military might. His victory at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE against the Hittites enabled him to expand his kingdom beyond the Sinai Peninsula. He also negotiated several peace treaties with neighboring countries, which were only possible due to his ability to recognize his neighbors’ strengths and weaknesses. These treaties contributed to long periods of stability during his reign.

Legacy

Ramses the Great’s legacy extended beyond his military, economic, and building achievements. His reign coincided with a period of great cultural flourishing in Egypt, and he was a patron of the arts and literature. He was also a devout follower of Egyptian religion, and it is widely believed that he saw himself as a living god. As a result, he commissioned numerous statues and carvings depicting himself as a deity.

Moreover, Ramses’ legacy also left behind invaluable archaeological discoveries like the Ramesseum, where his body was buried, and the Luxor Temple, which stands as a testament to his remarkable accomplishments. The grandeur of Ramses’ reign is kept alive through various inscriptions, art, and structures still visible today.

Conclusion

Ramses the Great’s reign is filled with significant accomplishments that contributed to the greatness of ancient Egypt. His military might, building expertise, and legacy have made him one of the most celebrated pharaohs of all time. His reign was a remarkable period in ancient Egypt’s history and a testament to how much a ruler can achieve through vision, strength, and cultural appreciation. Understanding Ramses the Great’s legacy helps us appreciate the grandeur and significance of ancient Egypt’s culture and history.