The Life and Death of Ramesses II

Ramesses II is arguably one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt, and also one of its most well-known. Ramesses II, the third pharaoh of the 19^th Dynasty, ascended the throne of Egypt during his late teens in 1279 BC following the death of his father, Seti I. He is known to have ruled ancient Egypt for a total of 66 years, outliving many of his sons in the process – although he is believed to have fathered more than 100 children. As a result of his long and prosperous reign, Ramesses II was able to undertake numerous military campaigns against neighbouring regions, as well as build monuments to the gods, and of course, to himself.

Ancient statue of Ramesses II. Source: BigStockPhoto