Ramses II The Pharaoh Who Ruled Egypt for 66 Years

Ramses II The Pharaoh Who Ruled Egypt for 66 Years - Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. He ruled for 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, making him one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in Egyptian history.





Ramses II was born in 1303 BCE and was the son of Seti I. He was appointed as the crown prince at a young age and succeeded his father to the throne when he was only about 25 years old. During his reign, Ramses II expanded the Egyptian empire to its greatest territorial extent, with conquests in the Near East and Nubia. He also launched numerous military campaigns against the Hittites, a powerful kingdom in Anatolia.


One of the most notable achievements of Ramses II was the Treaty of Kadesh, a peace agreement between Egypt and the Hittites. This treaty marked the first recorded peace treaty in history and is considered an early example of international diplomacy. The text of the treaty was inscribed on a large monument in the Temple of Amun at Karnak, serving as a permanent reminder of the peaceful relations between the two nations.


Ramses II was also a prolific builder, and many of Egypt's most iconic monuments were constructed during his reign. He built or reconstructed several temples and monuments, including the Temple of Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum, and the Temple of Amun at Karnak. These structures were grand and imposing, intended to inspire awe in the people and affirm the power of the pharaoh.


In addition to his military conquests and building projects, Ramses II was also a patron of the arts. He commissioned many sculptures and paintings, and his reign saw a flourishing of Egyptian art and architecture. His depictions in these works were often larger-than-life and emphasized his divine nature as a living god on earth.


Ramses II was also a family man, and he had over 200 wives and concubines. He fathered many children, including several sons who would later rule as pharaohs in their own right. He was a beloved figure in his lifetime and was remembered long after his death as one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs.


Despite his many achievements, Ramses II's legacy is not without controversy. He was known for his aggressive expansionist policies and his brutal treatment of conquered peoples. Nevertheless, his rule marked a period of prosperity and stability in Egypt, and his legacy continues to influence the country and the world to this day.


In conclusion, Ramses II was a remarkable figure in Egyptian history, known for his military conquests, monumental building projects, and support for the arts. He ruled for 66 years, making him one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in Egyptian history, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in Egypt and around the world.

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