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Introduction
Ramses II ruled during the 19th Dynasty (1279-1212 BC). He was
the third ruler during this time period. Being powerful and
ambitious, he would expand Egypt's empire a vast deal and would
construct many temples all of which overshadow many of the
others before him. Although known for expansion and building
structures, he also remains an important pharaoh to the
Christians as he is said to be the pharaoh in Exodus.
Family
Ramses II was born to Queen Tuy and his father Sety I. He was
given the throne at the age of about 20 and ruled for 67 years.
This allowed him to be the second longest-ruling Pharaoh.
Although Ramses II had a harem of wives, his special wife was
Nefertari and it was presumed that he had over one hundred
children with all his wives.
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Ramses II
Ramses II was a prolific ruler that fought to reclaim territory
in Africa and Western Asia. The Hittites and Asia Minor were his
main opponents or his main enemies. During his fifth year as
pharaoh, he led a campaign known as the Battle of Kadesh. Ramses
II tried to keep the newly acquired territory (today it is known
as Syria) but lost the battle to one of his opponents - the
Hittites. Seen as a standstill, Ramses II pulled back and Kadesh
remained with the Hittites once more. Later, a treaty was
signed, the territory was divided, and Ramses II agreed to marry
the daughter of the Hittite King. During his duration as
pharaoh, he attacked many of his enemies such as the Libyans and
the Nubians and also attacked Syria about half a dozen times.
Although known for his military might, Ramses II also lived a
life of extreme wealth and in addition he showed his need for
divine architecture.
His love of architecture and power allowed him to erect more
monuments and temples than any other pharaoh. Abu Simbel,
probably Ramses II's most impressive structure was carved from a
sandstone cliff that faced to the east. This was located in
ancient Nubia. Although Abu Simbel remains his most famous
structure, he had many more architectural projects. Among them
is included the expansion of Luxor and Karnak. There he finished
older projects set forth by his father and erected many more
monuments. It was evident Ramses II wanted to leave a mark as a
reminder of his great strength and wealth.
Tomb/Mummy
The tomb of Ramses II is located in the Valley of the Kings and
remains empty. After years or being looted and weathered, it
remains destroyed. Great amounts of effort are in progress with
the hope of returning the tomb to a somewhat presentable stage.
Although the
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tomb remains empty, the mummy of the Pharaoh has been found.
Ramses II's mummy is thought to be one of the best-preserved
mummies ever found. |
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