# Ramesses II

> Egyptian third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty

**Wikidata**: [Q1523](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1523)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramesses_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ramesses-ii

## Summary
Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great or Ozymandias, was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. He is renowned for his extensive building projects, military campaigns, and long reign, which significantly shaped Egyptian civilization.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1303 BC (place unknown)
- **Nationality**: Ancient Egypt
- **Education**: Not specified
- **Known for**: His monumental architecture, military leadership, and lengthy rule
- **Employer(s)**: Pharaoh of Egypt
- **Field(s)**: Politics, architecture, military leadership

## Contributions
Ramesses II contributed extensively to Egyptian architecture and governance through:
- Construction of monumental temples and statues, including the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak.
- Expansion of Egyptian influence through military campaigns in Nubia and the Levant.
- Commissioning numerous inscriptions, stelae, and architectural works that reinforced royal authority and religious practices.

## FAQs
### Who was Ramesses II?
Ramesses II was the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, known for his extensive building projects and military leadership.

### What is Ramesses II known for?
He is known for his monumental constructions, long reign, and military campaigns, particularly in Nubia and the Levant.

### When did Ramesses II live?
He was born in 1303 BC and died in 1213 BC.

### What were Ramesses II's major achievements?
His achievements include the construction of the Ramesseum, the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, and numerous military expeditions that extended Egyptian influence.

### How is Ramesses II connected to Ozymandias?
The name "Ozymandias" is derived from a Greek transliteration of Ramesses II's throne name, Usermaatre Setepenre. The name was popularized by Percy Bysshe Shelley's sonnet "Ozymandias."

## Why They Matter
Ramesses II's reign marked a pinnacle of Egyptian imperial power and architectural ambition. His legacy includes some of the most enduring monuments of ancient Egypt, influencing both contemporary culture and later historical interpretations. His name became synonymous with grandeur and the transient nature of power, especially through literary references like Shelley's "Ozymandias." His extensive building projects and military endeavors helped define the New Kingdom's zenith.

## Notable For
- Reigning for over 60 years, one of the longest in Egyptian history
- Commissioning the Ramesseum and the Great Hypostyle Hall
- Leading military campaigns in Nubia and the Levant
- Being referenced in Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ozymandias"
- Having his colossal bust displayed in the British Museum

## Body
### Early Life and Rise to Power
Ramesses II was born in 1303 BC into the royal family of the Nineteenth Dynasty. He was the son of Seti I and became the third pharaoh of Egypt. His early life was shaped by royal training and preparation for leadership in a powerful empire.

### Reign and Major Projects
Ramesses II's reign was characterized by monumental construction projects and military campaigns:
- **Ramesseum**: A mortuary temple built to honor Ramesses and ensure his legacy. It included statues and reliefs depicting his victories.
- **Great Hypostyle Hall**: Located at the Karnak Temple Complex, this hall stands as one of the most impressive architectural feats of his reign.
- **Abu Simbel**: Temples built to commemorate his reign and impress Egypt's neighbors, particularly Nubia.

### Military Campaigns
Ramesses II led several military expeditions:
- **Battle of Kadesh**: Fought against the Hittite Empire, resulting in the first recorded peace treaty.
- **Nubian Campaigns**: Extended Egyptian control into Nubia, reinforcing Egypt's southern borders.
- **Levantine Campaigns**: Asserted Egyptian dominance in the Levant through both warfare and diplomacy.

### Cultural and Religious Influence
Ramesses II's influence extended into religion and culture:
- **Temple Inscriptions**: Many temples built or restored during his reign included inscriptions that detailed his divine mandate and earthly accomplishments.
- **Statuary and Monuments**: Numerous statues and monuments were erected in his honor, many of which survive today.

### Legacy
Ramesses II's legacy is preserved in:
- **Literature**: Referenced in Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias," highlighting the impermanence of power.
- **Architecture**: His monuments remain iconic symbols of ancient Egypt, including the temples of Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum.
- **Historical Memory**: His long reign and extensive building projects made him a central figure in the historical narrative of ancient Egypt.

### Death and Succession
Ramesses II died in 1213 BC and was succeeded by his son Merneptah. His burial site and mummy have been studied extensively, contributing to modern understanding of Egyptian burial practices and royal mummification.

### Modern Recognition
Ramesses II's impact is recognized through:
- **Museums and Exhibitions**: His artifacts are displayed globally, including the British Museum.
- **Cultural References**: His name and legacy continue to inspire literature, art, and popular culture, including references in works like "Ozymandias" and the character Ozymandias in "Watchmen."

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Jürgen von Beckerath
3. general catalog of BnF
4. BnF authorities
5. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q213016)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. [Terrazas Negra y Roja en Egipto: Geografía, Cultura y Civilizaciones | Apuntes de Historia del Arte | Docsity](https://www.docsity.com/es/docs/resum-del-primer-parcial-d-arts-de-les-civilitzacions-antigues/8562015/)
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
11. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands