10 ancient facts about Ramses the Great
From his military achievements to his love life, discover 10 facts about Ramses the Great, one of Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs.
Image: The statue of Ramses II Illuminated at night in the temple of Luxor | stock.adobe.com
Featuring cutting-edge science and unique access to the latest archaeological discoveries, Ramses the Great: King of Ancient Egypt exposes the man behind the myth and reveals how—for the past few thousand years—this mighty ruler has remained a caricature of his own propaganda. The series starts Monday, 3rd March on Sky HISTORY.
Ramses II ruled Egypt with flair, power and a knack for self-promotion. He was the third ruler of the Nineteenth Dynasty and enjoyed a reign that spanned an astonishing 66 years. It earned not only his 'Ramses the Great' moniker but a reputation as Egypt’s most celebrated pharaoh.
At Sky HISTORY we love to unpack legends like Ramses the Great, so here are 10 fascinating facts about the pharaoh who left an indelible mark on Egyptian history.
1. The warrior who led from the front
Ramses wasn’t the type to hide behind palace walls. He fought at the frontlines, leading his army in the massive Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. Thousands of chariots clashed in this historic confrontation. Though the battle ended without a clear winner, Ramses made sure his version dominated, carving tales of his heroics as an ancient warrior into temple walls.
2. The first diplomat
After Kadesh, Ramses and the Hittites opted for peace. Their treaty, signed by Ramses II and King Ḫattušili III, was etched into clay tablets in 1269 BC. It’s the world’s first known peace agreement. The original is kept at the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul, though the United Nations owns a gleaming copper replica.
3. An architect of awe
Ramses didn’t just build temples; he created masterpieces. The Ramesseum, an enormous mortuary temple constructed on the west bank of the Nile River, is his pièce de résistance. Yes, Ramses the Great started building his own mortuary temple before his death.
It’s dedicated to both the deceased king and Amon, the Egyptian God of War. A 17-metre-tall statue of Ramses II once crowned the temple, though today all that’s left are fragments.
Abu Simbel is another jaw-dropping example of his ambition. The ancient temples are carved into a mountainside and align perfectly with the sun on specific days, flooding the inner chambers with light. The entrances are flanked by larger-than-life rock carvings of Ramses II, along with imagery of his wife, Nefertari, and children. Inside the temples are sculptures celebrating his heroic leadership at the Battle of Kadesh. Like we said, Ramses II was big on self-promotion.
4. Family man (to the extreme)
With roughly 100 children, Ramses ensured his bloodline’s dominance. His sons and daughters helped cement alliances and manage the vast empire. Family gatherings probably needed seating charts, and lots of them.
5. Longest reigning pharaoh
Few rulers in history matched Ramses’ 66-year reign. He outlasted rivals, expanded Egypt’s reach and secured his reputation as a living god. By the time of his death, his people saw him as eternal.
6. Tomb with a twist
Ramses’ tomb wasn’t left untouched by time. Grave robbers stripped it, but his mummy survived, later found in a secret cache. His remains now rest in Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a physical reminder of his reign.
7. Spin master extraordinaire
Ramses mastered ancient PR. His inscriptions painted him as an unbeatable warrior, smiter of enemies and favourite of the gods. Basically, he knew how to control his narrative.
8. Nefertari: his queen and equal
Ramses didn’t just glorify himself; he honoured his queen, Nefertari, in a way few pharaohs did. Her temple at Abu Simbel celebrates her as his equal. The inscription calls her 'the one for whom the sun shines', a rare public display of affection in ancient times.
9. Outlived his heirs
Ramses’ long life wasn’t without its challenges. Many of his children and wives passed before him. His advanced age left Egypt in a stable state, though finding a successor wasn’t easy after such a long reign.
10. A name that lives on
Ramses remained a symbol of greatness long after his death. His legacy influenced future pharaohs and continues to fascinate modern historians. Even in pop culture, his name conjures images of power and splendour.
Why Ramses the Great still captivates
Over a period of roughly 3,000 years Egypt was ruled by around 170 pharaohs. Not all captivate Egyptologists in the way Ramses the Great continues to do. More than a ruler, he was Egypt’s ultimate brand ambassador.
His colossal monuments and intricate inscriptions were designed to immortalise his reign. Unlike many leaders whose legacies fade, Ramses ensured his story was carved into stone—both literally and metaphorically. Even today, his name commands respect, and his life is a reminder of the heights humanity can reach.
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