Ramses II 1306? BC–1212 BC
Ruler of Ancient Egypt
Ramses II is often called Ramses the Great. He was one of ancient Egypt's longest-ruling pharaohs. Ramses came to power as a young man and ruled for 67 years. During his reign, he expanded the Egyptian empire and created a strong military. He also built more temples and monuments than any other pharoh.
Ramses' early years as ruler were devoted to warfare. Egypt's chief enemy was the Hittite empire in what is today Syria. Ramses led the Egyptians into battle against the Hittites at the city of Kadesh. Though he was nearly defeated, he ordered propaganda to be written praising his great victory. The two empires remained at war for fifteen more years, until Ramses signed a treaty of friendship with the Hittite king.
Egypt prospered under Ramses' rule. He ordered many magnificent temples and monuments to be built in his honor. These included temples carved into cliffs at Abu Simbel and temples at Karnak and Luxor. They can still be visited today. Ramses lived to an unusually old age. He was so honored as a leader that nine pharaohs after him took his name.
Critical Thinking
Why do you think Ramses II is often called Ramses the Great?