Ramses II

Quick Facts: Who was Ramses II?

Subject:

Ramses II

Known for:

The celebrated Pharaoh of Egypt, known as Ramesses the Great, reigned during the New Kingdom.

Born:

1303 BC

Died:

1213 BC

Century / Era:

-1303s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ramesses II (; Ancient Egyptian: rꜥ-ms-sw, Rīꜥa-masē-sə, Ancient Egyptian pronunciation: [ɾiːʕamaˈseːsə]; c. 1303 BC – 1213 BC), commonly known as Ramesses the Great, was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Ramesses II is often regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom, which itself was the most powerful period of ancient Egypt.

Career & Major Achievements

He is also widely considered one of ancient Egypt's most successful warrior pharaohs, conducting no fewer than 15 military campaigns, all resulting in victories, excluding the Battle of Kadesh, which is generally considered a stalemate. His 66-year rule was also the longest recorded reign of any pharaoh (and one of the longest in history), possibly alongside Pepi II, who lived 1,000 years earlier and is said to have reigned for over 90 years.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In ancient Greek sources, he is called Ozymandias, derived from the first part of his Egyptian-language regnal name: Usermaatre Setepenre. Contemporary documents, particularly cuneiform letters discovered at Hattusa indicate that the name Ramesses was pronounced Riamessesa and the full titulary was pronounced Wasmuriya Satepnaria Riamessesa Maiamana.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1303 BC: Birth of Ramses II — The celebrated Pharaoh of Egypt, known as Ramesses the Great, reigned during the New Kingdom.
2. 1213 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Ramses II passed away on -1213, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
3. 1303: 1303 Milestone — 1303 BC – 1213 BC), commonly known as Ramesses the Great, was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ramses II

True or False: “True or false: Ramesses II's reign is considered the longest recorded reign of any pharaoh in ancient history.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While his reign was exceptionally long and one of the longest recorded, it is not definitively stated as the absolute longest in all of ancient history.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Hōjō Takatoki — Historical peer (Born in 1303) (1303): The last ruling Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, a pivotal figure in late 13th-century Japanese politics.
• Pope Boniface VIII — Historical peer (Died in 1303) (1303): Papal leader who asserted strong claims over both spiritual and temporal power.
• Tamar of Georgia — Historical peer (Died in 1213) (1213): Queen of Georgia, presiding over the apex of the Georgian Golden Age.
• Hattusili III — Contemporary figure (Born in -1300) (-1300): Labarna (King) of the Hittite Empire during the New Kingdom (c. 1275–1245 BCE)
• Kikkuli — Contemporary figure (Born in -1300) (-1300): Hurrian master horse trainer and author of a key Hittite chariot text.
• -1303 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -1303
• -1213 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -1213

Frequently Asked Questions about Ramses II