Ramses II was an Egyptian pharaoh. He ruled ancient Egypt from 1279 to 1213 bce. His reign was the second longest in ancient Egyptian history.
Ramses II was also known as Ramses the Great. He was given this name because he was known as a great military leader. He also built many temples and buildings throughout ancient Egypt. Massive statues of him can be found all over Egypt.
Ramses’ father was Seti I. Seti waged war to win back land that Egypt had lost over the years. Ramses would often accompany his father on these military operations. Ramses was given the rank of captain in the military when he was just 10 years old.
Ramses II led his forces into many battles. One famous battle was the Battle of Kadesh in 1275 bce. Kadesh was once a part of Egypt, but at the time it was held by the Hittites. (The Hittites were an ancient warrior people from what is now Turkey.) Ramses wanted to take Kadesh back from the Hittites. The Hittites tricked Ramses, and the Egyptians were greatly outnumbered on the battlefield. However, the Egyptian forces managed to keep the battlefield and not retreat.
Details of the Battle of Kadesh were carved into many of the temples that Ramses built. It is likely that Ramses exaggerated his success at the Battle of Kadesh. Over many years Ramses captured other Hittite towns, but he could not hold them. Eventually, peace was established between the Hittites and the Egyptians.
The reign of Ramses was very prosperous. This is known because Ramses II built many temples. He also built a city called Per Ramessu, or “House of Ramses.” It was famous for its gardens, orchards, and pleasant waters.
The rule of Ramses II marked the last peak of Egypt’s imperial power. Ancient Egypt began to decline after his death.