Ramesses II Begins His Reign

Setting the scene

By 1279 BCE, Egypt's New Kingdom was the dominant power in the Near East, but faced challenges from the Hittite Empire in Anatolia. Ramesses II, born around 1303 BCE, was the son of Seti I and had served as co-regent and military commander. He came to the throne at about age 24, determined to match the achievements of great pharaohs like Thutmose III. Ramesses was a skilled propagandist who would become Egypt's most famous pharaoh.

What happened

Ramesses II began his 66-year reign (1279-1213 BCE) in 1279 BCE, one of the longest reigns in history. Early in his reign, he campaigned in Nubia and Libya, but his defining moment came in 1274 BCE at the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. Though the battle was a tactical stalemate, Ramesses portrayed it as a great victory in temple inscriptions. In 1259 BCE, he signed the world's first known peace treaty with the Hittites, marrying a Hittite princess to seal the alliance. Ramesses also built extensively—Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum, and Pi-Ramesses (his capital).

Why it still matters

Ramesses II's reign marks the peak of Egyptian power and the last great era of the New Kingdom. His extensive building program and self-promotion made him the pharaoh of legend—he is likely the pharaoh of the Exodus story (though evidence is debated), and Shelley wrote 'Ozymandias' about him. Ramesses fathered over 100 children and lived to age 90, outliving many heirs. His reign demonstrated the limits of Egyptian power—despite his propaganda, he could not defeat the Hittites decisively. After his death, Egypt declined, facing invasions by Sea Peoples and internal decay. Ramesses remains the archetypal pharaoh, symbolizing ancient Egypt's grandeur.

Background

His rule left massive monuments and diplomatic records. Even centuries later, this episode remains a reference point for how empires rise, fracture, and transform.