Also known as Ramses the Great, Ramesses II was born around 1303 BC and was the third Egyptian Pharaoh during the Nineteenth dynasty.http://www.fruitofthenile.com/ramses.htm He began his reign in 1279 BC when he was close to the age of 20.http://www.discoveringegypt.com/k-q4.htm His reign lasted for about 67 years, ending in 1213 BC. His reign was the second longest in Egyptian history.http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/490824/Ramses-II It was initially believed that he lived until he was 99-years-old, but further research indicates that it is more likely that he died between the ages of 90 and 91. Because the pharaoh lived such a long life, he outlived many of his heirs.http://www.pbs.org/empires/egypt/newkingdom/ramesses.html He was finally succeeded by his 13th son, Merneptah upon his death.http://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/ramses-II.html
Ramses II was the son of Seti I. He was known as the builder king and constructed many temples, including one in Nubia in honor of his wife Nefertari.http://www.fruitofthenile.com/ramses.htm He was also a great warrior in battle. After many years at war, he signed the first known peace treaty with the Hittites. When he died, he was buried in the valley of kings. His remains were later moved, with many other royal mummies, to Deir el-Bahri to avoid plunder.http://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/ramses-II.html His tomb was discovered there in 1871. His mummy is now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.http://www.fruitofthenile.com/ramses.htm
Many Wives
During his reign, it is believed that Ramesses II had eight different wives who each held the title of Great Royal Wife, and likely many others as well as concubines.http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/egypt/history/people/ramesses.html The most prominent royal wife was Nefertari. Other wives of record were Isetnofret, Bintanath, Meritamen, Nebettawy, Henutmire and Maathorneferure, Princess of Hatti. The last royal spouse was Hittite princess Manefrure, daughter of King Hattusilis.http://www.fruitofthenile.com/ramses.htm
Timeline
- 1300 BC: Born in or around this time
- 1279 BC: Reign began
- 1274 BC: Battle of Kadeshhttp://www.pbs.org/empires/egypt/special/timeline/ramesses2.html
- 1258 BC: Signed peace treaty with the Hittite King, Hattusili III
- 1213 BC: Died
- 1885: Mummy was placed in Cairo's Egyptian Museum
- 1995: Ramesses II tomb rediscovered
Ramesses II and the Hittites Video
In this historical retrospective of Ramesses II war stories, he is described as having red hair which was a rare trait in ancient Egypt. The young king fights against the Hittite army from the beginning of his reign. The enemy had iron weapons, while the Egyptians still wielded bronze. The king claims battle victories by carving depictions of solitary valor where others had in fact provided reinforcements.
