King Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. He is considered to be one of the greatest rulers of ancient Egypt and is known for his military campaigns, building projects, and cultural achievements.
Ramses II was born in 1303 BCE in Egypt and was the son of Pharaoh Seti I and Queen Tuya. He was trained in the art of ruling from a young age and was made co-regent with his father at the age of 14. When Seti I died in 1279 BCE, Ramses II became the sole ruler of Egypt.
During his reign, Ramses II engaged in several military campaigns to expand the borders of Egypt. He fought against the Hittites in modern-day Syria and Turkey and also against the Nubians in modern-day Sudan. These campaigns were largely successful and brought much wealth and territory to Egypt.
In addition to his military conquests, Ramses II is also known for his building projects. He commissioned the construction of several temples, palaces, and other structures throughout Egypt. The most famous of these is the temple of Abu Simbel, which was carved into a mountain and decorated with huge statues of the pharaoh.
Ramses II also made significant cultural contributions during his reign. He commissioned the construction of the Ramesseum, a temple dedicated to himself, and the tomb of Nefertari, his beloved queen. He also supported the arts and literature, and many works from this time period survive to this day.
Ramses II ruled Egypt for over 60 years, making him one of the longest-reigning Pharaohs in Egyptian history. He died in 1213 BCE at the age of 90 and was succeeded by his son, Merneptah. Today, Ramses II is remembered as one of the greatest rulers of ancient Egypt and his legacy can still be seen in the many monuments and structures that he built.
