Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, from approximately 1279 to 1213 BCE. He is considered one of the greatest and most powerful pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history, and his reign is remembered for its wealth, prosperity, and cultural achievements.
Ramses II was born in the city of Pi-Ramesses, located in the Nile Delta region of Egypt. Pi-Ramesses was the capital of Egypt during the reign of Ramses II, and it was a thriving center of trade, industry, and culture. The city was built on the site of the ancient city of Avaris, which was the capital of the Hyksos, a foreign dynasty that ruled Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period.
Ramses II was the third son of Pharaoh Seti I and Queen Tuya. Seti I was a powerful pharaoh who reestablished the rule of the New Kingdom after a period of decline and political instability. Ramses II grew up in the royal court and was well-educated in the arts, literature, and military strategy. He was also trained in the rituals and ceremonies of the temple, and he became a skilled administrator and diplomat.
Ramses II succeeded his father as pharaoh when he was still in his early twenties. He immediately set about consolidating his power and expanding the territory of Egypt. He led several military campaigns against the Hittites, a powerful kingdom located in what is now modern-day Turkey, and he also fought against the Nubians and the Libyans. He was known for his military prowess and his ability to negotiate peace treaties with his enemies.
Ramses II is also remembered for his building projects and cultural achievements. He constructed many temples and palaces throughout Egypt, and he commissioned the construction of the Ramesseum, a mortuary temple dedicated to his father, Seti I. He also ordered the construction of the Great Temple of Amun at Karnak, one of the most impressive temples in ancient Egypt.
In conclusion, Ramses II was born in the city of Pi-Ramesses, located in the Nile Delta region of Egypt. He was the third son of Pharaoh Seti I and Queen Tuya, and he became one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history. His reign is remembered for its wealth, prosperity, and cultural achievements, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest rulers in the history of ancient Egypt.