Ramses The Second Essay, Research Paper
From gathered sources and facts ramses the second is suggested to be the greatest builder as well as ruler of all Egyptian history. His works remain unsurpassed when compared to other works of the same era. The rule of Ramses the second commenced in 1304 BC, becoming the 3rd pharaoh of the 19 dynasty. There are many faults in his reign, but also very notable positive things.
Ramses fought in many battles during his rule over Egypt. He enlarged his territory further into Africa, south into Nubia as well as giving Egypt more prowess against the Libyans. He also conquered Asia Minor. (Ramses).
Ramses considered one battle against the Hittites to be his greatest. He told of being left behind by most if his troop as the enemy was bearing down on him:
Then the king he lashed each horse,
And they quickened up their course,
And he dashed into the middle of the hostile, Hittite host,
All alone, none other with him, for he counted not the cost.
Then he looked behind, and found
That the foe were all around,
Two thousand and five hundred of their chariots of war;
And the flower of the Hittites, and their helpers, in a ring—
Men of Masu, Keshkesh, Pidasa, Malunna, Arathu,
Qazauadana, Kadesh, Akerith, Leka and Khilibu—
Cut off the way behind,
Retreat he could not find;
There were three men on each car,
And they gathered all together, and closed upon the king.
“Yea, and not one of my princes, of my chief men and my great,
Was with me, not a captain, not a knight;
For my warriors and chariots had left me to my fate,
Not one was there to take his part in fight.” (Battle).
Ramses II is, however, best known for all the buildings and monuments he had constructed in his name across the country. Especially the monumental temples of Karnak (near Luxor) and Abu Simbel (in the south of the country in so-called Nubia) and his mortuary temple The Ramesseum (on the West Bank near Luxor) give evidence of his love for fame. In all of his monuments he had his name and texts engraved so deep that no one would be able to remove it. (Ramses).
Probably the greatest known project was Abu Simbel. This huge temple was dedicated to two other gods as well as to himself. There are four large statues of himself outside as well as smaller statues surrounding of royalty. The rising sun penetrates deep into the cave-like temple and illuminates the statues of four gods on the back wall.
It was right next to a smaller temple that was dedicated to his wife and the goddess Hathor that was a marvel in and of itself. Many projects were completed during his reign, more than by any other Pharaoh before or after him. (Tomb).
One measure of Egypt’s prosperity during Ramses reign is the amount of temple building he could afford to carry out, and on that basis the reign of Ramses is the most notable in Egyptian history, even making allowance for its great length. , combined with his power in war that was depicted in the temples, and led the Egyptologists of the 19th century to dub him “the Great.” Nine kings of the 20th dynasty called themselves by his name; even in the period of decline that followed, it was an honor to be able to claim descent from him.
Unfortunately Ramses energetic building activities led to a decline in the quality of Egyptian art as far as the engraving of texts and images on temple walls was concerned, for he demanded the monuments to be built with greater speed than before. Otherwise carefully engraved texts and images with many beautiful details were now made more superficially, a practice which was continued by other rulers.
Another downside to Ramses rule was him taking credit for works that were not his own. He would have his name put on anything, even if its erection should not of been attributed to him or any of his workers. He would have his name engraved so deep into them that no one would be able to remove them. (Ramses).
All things considered Ramses seemed to go a competent job of taking care of the matters of Egypt during his over sixty years of reign. He was very egotistical and conceited however, but Ramses was considered a god and taught that he was a god as the Pharaoh his whole life, so he would want to be remembered. To his people he was a god and to himself as well. The state of affairs was the best ever during his reign and during the whole ancient history of the country. Ramses was a good ruler who expanded Egypt’s territory and ruled better than any Pharaoh has before of since.
The Battle of Kadesh, Egyptian Accounts.
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Tomb of Ramses II. Glass Steel and Stone. .
Payne, Elizabeth. The Pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
Ramses II. Encyclopedia of the Orient. .