Simone Lawson
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of ancient Egypt's 19th dynasty, reigning from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He is considered one of the greatest and most powerful pharaohs in Egyptian history, known for his military victories, diplomatic skills, and extensive building projects. Ramses II's long reign of 66 years provided stability and allowed him to pursue ambitious endeavours, solidifying his legacy as a great ruler. One of his notable diplomatic achievements was the Treaty of Kadesh with the Hittites, which marked the end of hostilities and established a period of peace and cooperation. This treaty is considered the first recorded peace accord in history, showcasing Ramses II's skill in diplomacy and negotiation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Longevity | Ramses II ruled for 66 years, the second-longest reign in ancient Egyptian history |
| Military victories | Ramses II led his troops to victory in the Battle of Kadesh, enhancing his reputation as a great warrior |
| Diplomatic skills | Ramses II negotiated the Treaty of Kadesh with the Hittites, the earliest surviving peace accord |
| Self-promotion | Ramses II commissioned numerous statues and sculptures of himself, promoting his power and divine connection |
| Building projects | Ramses II embarked on an extensive building program, including temples, monuments, and cities |
| Cultural patronage | He supported the arts, literature, and temple restorations, fostering a cultural renaissance |
| Family legacy | Ramses II had over 100 children and his family secured the succession of his dynasty |
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What You'll Learn
- Ramses II's diplomacy was reflected in his marriages, which was a common practice in the New Kingdom
- Ramses II's diplomacy was also reflected in his extensive building projects, which aimed to showcase his power and vision
- Ramses II's military victories, such as the Battle of Kadesh, enhanced his diplomatic reputation
- Ramses II's diplomatic skills were evident in his ability to negotiate and establish peace treaties, such as the Treaty of Kadesh with the Hittites
- Ramses II's long reign of 66 years provided stability and continuity, allowing him to pursue grand endeavours and establish a powerful legacy
Ramses II's diplomacy was reflected in his marriages, which was a common practice in the New Kingdom
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of ancient Egypt's 19th dynasty, reigning from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He is known for his extensive building programs, his long rule, and his many marriages and children. Ramses II had over 200 wives and concubines and over 100 children, many of whom he outlived.
Ramses II's marriages were also influenced by the practice of incestuous marriages in ancient Egypt, which had several practical benefits for the royal family. By marrying within the royal family, they could keep outsiders at bay and ensure that any children born would be eligible to inherit the throne. Additionally, it ensured that a suitably trained princess would assume the role of queen, the most important position available to Egyptian women. While the king could marry whoever he wished, royal females could not marry below their status, and so their choices were limited.
Ramses II's long life, spanning between 90 and 96 years, gave him ample opportunity to marry multiple wives and have many children. His first and perhaps favourite wife was Nefertari, to whom he dedicated one of the temples at Abu Simbel. Nefertari was likely of royal blood and served as Ramses II's chief wife, taking on the duties of the queen upon his ascension to the throne.
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Ramses II's diplomacy was also reflected in his extensive building projects, which aimed to showcase his power and vision
Ramses II's reign as the third pharaoh of ancient Egypt's 19th dynasty was marked by his exceptional diplomatic skills, which were reflected in his extensive building projects. Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, recognised the importance of diplomacy and public relations in maintaining his power and enhancing his reputation. This is evident in his ambitious building projects, which served as a showcase of his vision and might.
Ramses II is renowned for his colossal building endeavours, which included temples, statues, and even a new capital city. One of his notable projects was the construction of the temples at Karnak and Abu Simbel, which are considered marvels and wonders of ancient Egypt. The Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, initiated by his father, Seti I, was expanded and adorned with inscriptions celebrating Ramses II's achievements. He also constructed his own funerary temple, the Ramesseum, which housed a vast library of papyrus scrolls.
In addition to his building projects, Ramses II also usurped and remodelled existing structures, inscribing his name on them to ensure his remembrance and survival in the afterlife. He transformed ancient temples in Thebes to reflect his power and divine nature, replacing the images and inscriptions of previous pharaohs with his own. This practice of usurping buildings and propaganda through art is evident in his portrayal of the Battle of Kadesh, where he claimed a decisive victory despite the battle ending in a stalemate.
Ramses II's extensive building campaigns served as a powerful tool to showcase his strength and influence. By constructing and renovating temples, he not only demonstrated his power but also acknowledged and honoured the gods, further solidifying his position as a revered ruler. The sheer scale and grandeur of his building projects, including his vast residential palace, reflected his vision of a great nation and his status as the "ruler of rulers."
Furthermore, Ramses II's diplomacy extended beyond his building projects. He is known for signing the earliest surviving peace treaty with the Hittites, which included agreements for mutual aid and the extradition of refugees. As a sign of good faith, he married a Hittite princess, further showcasing his diplomatic prowess and willingness to forge peaceful relationships. Ramses II's combination of military campaigns, diplomatic alliances, and extensive building projects contributed to his legacy as a revered and admired pharaoh, both during and after his lifetime.
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Ramses II's military victories, such as the Battle of Kadesh, enhanced his diplomatic reputation
Ramses II ascended the Egyptian throne at just 14 years old. He ruled for 66 years, making his the second-longest, and perhaps the longest, reign in ancient Egyptian history.
Ramses II sought to recapture the city of Kadesh, a Hittite stronghold, and to wrest control of Canaan and Syria from the Hittites. The Egyptians were initially ambushed by the Hittites and were on the brink of defeat. However, Ramses II led a charge through the Hittite ranks, breaking through and avoiding capture. Egyptian reinforcements then arrived, and the battle ended in a stalemate. Both sides claimed victory, and Ramses II ordered the creation of murals across Egypt depicting him triumphing over the Hittites.
The Battle of Kadesh led to the world's first recorded peace treaty, signed 15 years later in 1258 BCE. Ramses II married the eldest daughter of the Hittite king as a sign of diplomatic good faith. The treaty included agreements to extradite refugees and aid one another if attacked by foreign or domestic enemies. Ramses II's military victories, such as the Battle of Kadesh, and his subsequent peaceful resolution, enhanced his diplomatic reputation.
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Ramses II's diplomatic skills were evident in his ability to negotiate and establish peace treaties, such as the Treaty of Kadesh with the Hittites
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of ancient Egypt's 19th dynasty, reigning from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He is known for his military campaigns, building projects, and his skill in diplomacy, which was evident in his ability to negotiate and establish peace treaties, such as the Treaty of Kadesh with the Hittites.
Ramses II's diplomatic skills were on full display during the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Kadesh. The treaty was signed in 1258 BCE, 15 years after the Battle of Kadesh, which took place in 1274 BCE or 1275 BCE. The battle was fought between the Egyptian forces led by Ramses II and the Hittite forces, led by King Muwatalli II. The battle ended in a stalemate, with both sides claiming victory, but neither able to gain a decisive advantage.
Recognizing the need for a peaceful resolution, Ramses II engaged in negotiations with the Hittites. The resulting treaty, also known as the Kadesh Peace Treaty, was the earliest known peace accord, with the text surviving to this day. The treaty included several key provisions, such as the agreement to extradite refugees and not exact retribution, as well as pledges of mutual aid in the face of foreign or domestic threats. Additionally, Ramses II married the eldest daughter of the Hittite king, further solidifying the peace between the two nations.
The Treaty of Kadesh marked the end of a long war between the Hittite Empire and the Egyptians, who had been vying for control over the lands of the eastern Mediterranean for centuries. By negotiating this treaty, Ramses II demonstrated his diplomatic prowess and his ability to establish peace and maintain Egypt's influence in the region. This treaty set a precedent for peaceful conflict resolution and laid the foundation for improved relations between the two ancient powers.
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Ramses II's long reign of 66 years provided stability and continuity, allowing him to pursue grand endeavours and establish a powerful legacy
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of ancient Egypt's 19th dynasty. He ruled for 66 years, the longest reign in ancient Egyptian history. His long reign provided stability and continuity to the empire, allowing him to pursue grand endeavours and establish a powerful legacy.
Ramses II is known for his military victories, such as the Battle of Kadesh, where he skillfully avoided defeat against the Hittites. He also led successful expeditions over Canaan and into Nubia, and defeated the Sea People, or the Sherden, off the coast of the Nile Delta. Ramses II's military successes expanded Egypt's influence and ensured its dominance in the region.
In addition to his military prowess, Ramses II was also a skilled diplomat. After the Battle of Kadesh, he negotiated the Treaty of Kadesh with the Hittite king, Hattusili III. This treaty, the earliest surviving peace accord, marked the end of hostilities between Egypt and the Hittite Empire and established a period of peace and cooperation. Ramses II even married a Hittite princess as a sign of diplomatic good faith.
Ramses II's long reign also allowed him to embark on an extensive building program, leaving a lasting legacy of monumental structures throughout Egypt. He commissioned the construction of temples, monuments, and even a new capital city, Pi-Ramesses, in the Nile Delta. These building projects showcase his grandeur and power, with colossal statues of himself carved into the rock faces of temples. Ramses II also had a deep reverence for religion and dedicated significant resources to the restoration and construction of temples, aiming to showcase his devotion to the gods and leave a lasting religious legacy.
Ramses II's long life, advanced age, and numerous descendants further contributed to the stability and continuity of his reign. He lived to be approximately 90 to 96 years old, outliving many of his over 200 wives and concubines, and had over 100 children, most of whom he outlived as well. This ensured a smooth succession and secured the continuation of his dynasty.
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Frequently asked questions
Ramses II married one, and possibly two, Hittite princesses as a sign of diplomatic good faith following the drafting of the Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty in 1258 BCE.
Ramses II skillfully managed to avoid defeat at the Battle of Kadesh, which was fought against the Hittites in modern-day Syria. The battle was a stalemate, and Ramses II negotiated the Treaty of Kadesh, which ended hostilities and established peace and cooperation between the two powers.
Ramses II was the third pharaoh of ancient Egypt's 19th dynasty, and he ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE. He was from a family of non-royal origins, but his grandfather Ramses I elevated them to royalty through his military prowess. Ramses II's father, Seti I, further secured the family's power and appointed Ramses II as coregent at a young age.
Ramses II's 66-year reign provided stability and continuity to the Egyptian empire. He is known for his self-promotion and the construction of numerous statues, sculptures, and monuments depicting himself. He also commissioned many building projects, including temples and his new capital city, Per Ramessu. Ramses II is also remembered for his military victories, such as the Battle of Kadesh, and his diplomatic skills in negotiating the subsequent peace treaty.
