Ramses II

Ramses the Great

Ramses II, also known as "Ramses the Great", was the greatest builder of the pharaohs. He reigned for 67 years in the 19th dynasty, making him older than 90 when he died. Ramses had about 200 wives (the main one being Nefertari), 100 sons, and 60 daughters. His accomplishments include putting down several uprisings among his own people and overseeing the construction of some of Egypt's most famous monuments (including many large statues of himself). He also oversaw the construction of the Ramesseum, a temple built solely to honor him.

A Portion of the Family

Father: Seti I (Pharaoh)

Mother: Tuya (Queen)

Sister: Tia

Wife: Nefertari

Daughter: Bintanath

Daughter: Meritamen

These two daughters, Bintanath and Meritamen, were eventually "promoted" to being Ramses's wives.

Son: Merenptah (successor Pharaoh)

An interesting fact is that Ramses outlived at least 12 of his sons and countless wives and grandchildren in his life.

Inside the Temple

The hieroglyphs found in Ramses's remaining temples show us that he was not only a great builder, but also a fierce warrior. Ramses led many victorious military conquests during his reign, as depicted on the walls of the temple. He was an incredible king in a political sense as well, for during a time of great turmoil, he was able keep control of his vast kingdom and outsmart his enemies at the same time. The monuments he left behind show the world his magnificent feats and powerful accomplishments in Egypt.

Above depicts Ramses in the Battle of Kadesh.

Enemies

His only true enemy was time, and in that battle, he lost. The temple, once filled with glory, power, and wealth, now stands empty and abandoned in Egypt.